Central State University prohibits students from wearing durags and bonnets on campus, and the new dean of students is serious about enforcing the policy.
“Students are not permitted to wear any headgear inside the buildings on campus, especially Paul Robeson (Auditorium),” Dr. B. Sherrance Russell said.
Sophomore Adrienne Oglesby is unhappy with the policy. “I was approached in line during breakfast and told to take my durag off,” Oglesby said. “It wasn't even afternoon, and they made this demand.”
A durag is a head covering made of cloth that covers the head and trails down the neck. It is typically worn by men. A bonnet covers just the head and is typically worn by women. Students wear durags and bonnets as fashion statements and to protect their hair.
“If I’m behaving in an appropriate manner, and making excellent grades, I shouldn’t be hassled about my durag especially in my dorm, ” junior Jonathan Carry said.
Administrators believe that durags are too casual and unprofessional for most university situations.
“No one should feel comfortable enough to wear whatever they wear in bed, in public,” Russell said.
The university’s student attire policy is outlined on page eighteen of the Student Handbook: “Hats, caps, hoodies, do-rags, and/or head coverings (unless for religious reasons) should never be worn, by males or females, while in an administrative, academic or residential building.” Students may wear head coverings outside.
Dr. Russell unapologetically enforces the policy. “The goal of this policy is to make our students understand that no headgear is allowed in any building on the university campus,” he said.
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