Hair and the Hype: What We Really Should Learn from the Hampton Hair Debate

Last week, the media outlets were abuzz with a Virginia news report that detailed Hampton University's business school bans male students from wearing cornrows and dreadlocks. This ban, which we note has been in place for the past 11 years, is designed to help students ensure corporate jobs. The recent report, and interview of current Hampton students has sparked a number of debates across social networks and the African-American community. How can a school ban hair styles for students? They should be able to wear their hair however they choose? Isn't that a freedom of expression? More importantly, shouldn't a student's work ethic and performance speak for them?

I've heard a number of arguments on either side of this. As a disclaimer, my opinion only. Here goes....In a perfect world, yes, everyone should be able to express themselves in whatever way they see fit (dress, hair, etc.). If you are talented, and can get the work done, that should be all that matters. However, we don't live in a perfect world. And the truth is that, the corporate world still dictates a lot of tradition that other sectors don't (i.e. engineering). Most corporate environments still require business/business casual attire. There may be a "casual Friday," but even that is TBD, based on whether that Friday requires any customer interaction.

The real truth, and this is where some may choose to not read, is that, as African-Americans, we still suffer from the black tax. When entering an environment where we don't call the shots, we have to not only play the game, but play it better than our counterparts to get in the door. Unfortunately, corporate America still isn't 100% ready to see the diverse style that we express.

In addition, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) still have an obligation to help students get from point A to point B. There are many students who come to college never owning a suit, not knowing how to "shift" between work and home environments, and who don't have good interview skills to even land a job. Unfortunately, students are judged before they are even contacted for an interview, based on their name, choice of institution, etc. Appearance then becomes another grounds for critique in this world.

It's imperative that HBCUs to do two things in the 21st century to prepare students:

1. Explain to students that current corporations and institutions require you to play the game. This means that, if you want a job on Wall St., you may have to change your appearance to get your foot in the door. Once you are IN, THEN you can become a change agent. However, you have to get in first. This is what Hampton's business school is currently teaching students. Nothing wrong with this, in my opinion. I require men in my class to remove their hats, else they are prohibited from entering class.Women have to come to class like they are dressed to learn, not hit the club. You can't show up to an interview like that and, contrary to what Allen Iverson thinks, you play how you practice. You can't show up for game day and think it all comes together without ever "talkin about PRACTICE."

2. If you don't like the rules, then you make your own. This means that you have to CREATE the opportunities for yourself. Start your own business, utilize your resources, network, and opportunities to build a brand and show that you are more than your hair, style, or degrees for that matter. Isn't this basically what 90% of Silicon Valley has done? Does anyone remember IBM in the 80s? Everyone wore a blue or black suit (male and female)...now look at Facebook,Google, Microsoft, and other companies. Casual is the norm. But that industry changed because people MADE it change. How does that happen in business? The same has to happen.

In order for that to happen, universities, particularly HBCUs, have to focus on teaching students BOTH sides of this argument. If you want to play in someone else's game, you have to play by their rules. That means conforming in some minds, but hey, you want to get in the game, those are the rules. If you don't want to do that, then you have to be willing to do your own thing. Doing that requires not only talent, but determination, dedication, and initiative. That has to be stressed throughout classrooms across the country. Brin and Page (Google), Zuckerburg (Facebook), and countless others didn't just do their work in the class and that was it. They dedicated countless hours outside of the classroom to honing their skills and building something they believed in, even when others told them they were insane. This has to happen across HBCUs across the country.

So, this isn't about what Hampton shouldn't have done. At the end of the day, it's a university, and a private on for that matter. They can, effectively, call the shots. Again, you have choices. If you don't like it, you have options. But we also have to make sure that we present students with BOTH sides of this game, and how critical it is to begin to produce more of the latter in order to effectively change the game.

Back to School Advice for College-Bound Students and Parents

I'm BACK folks! Just in time for the beginning of a new school year. I promise to be better about my blogs this year (seriously).

For many of you, freshman move-in and orientation has already completed, and you are awaiting the first day of class. For the rest of you, get ready, stay calm (and sane), and safe travels!!

As you begin a new adventure in college, it's important that you know a few important things before you even step foot inside a classroom. Parents, this goes for you too. Read this, remember this, preach this, practice this. It will help the rest of your college experience run a lot smoother and drama free. After all, "college IS the best time of your life." I would pay money to be able to do it all over again right now. My parents told me that when they dropped me off in Charlotte 16 (ouch) years ago. How right they were (for once)!!

I joke, but there are a lot of things my parents left me with that day that helped me. So as I impart knowledge to the next generation of global leaders, I'll share these nuggets with you as well:

1. Know your surroundings...at ALL times. Being in Washington, DC, we have students from all over the world. I can't explain how many times I've heard students claim "I'm from {Chicago, ATL, Charlotte, LA, Miami, NY, etc.}." At the end of the day, Rakim said it best, "it ain't where you're from, it's where you're at." Translation: Your new environment is NOT your home environment. Don't get comfortable and don't think that you are immune to crime because you are on a college campus. Be alert and be aware. Don't walk around at night alone (campus escorts are on every campus), stay in groups, and DO NOT...DO NOT walk around with earbuds in your ear not paying attention to anything or chatting away on the phone.

2. Make a good connection with your roommate now. Or suffer the consequences later. It's that simple. This will be the closest person to you for the next year. Discuss cleanliness, company in the room, respect for each other's space and privacy, and anything else that is necessary NOW.

3. Get your technology access issues addressed before classes start. Find out the campus network info, and make sure your computer can access it.

4. DO NOT go credit crazy. While many credit card companies have been prohibited from lurking on new students on college campuses, still be mindful of any offers for credit cards. If you must, have an emergency card (preferably one tied to your parents account) so that you can use it for necessities (flights home, etc.). Start good financial practices NOW!

5. Remember why you are here. It's not to join a sorority or fraternity, meet a husband or wife, play sports, sing/act or whatever else....you are here to GRADUATE. From the first to last day you need to remind yourself of this.

6. Keep your parents informed and aware of your academic and personal progress. Per the FERPA,  universities (including professors and administrators) are prohibited from sharing personal information with parents, including grades (yes...I know..but YOU pay the bills..we get it). To circumvent this, have your child sign the appropriate forms allowing you access to this info. It saves a lot of headaches for you all later.

Keep these things in your mind at all times and you are well on your way to a great start to the school year. Now, remember this doesn't include the academic issues you will face, and the numerous personal ones either. It is a great start though to the best time of your life...ENJOY!