|
Illustration by A. Bermudez
|
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Monday Apr. 1, 2002
Late last Friday night, information was provided to the Arizona Daily Wildcat regarding a new University of Arizona dress code. UA President Peter Likins supposedly made the announcement at 7:57 p.m. to a small group of supporters in the "Swede" Johnson building.
The group convened to discuss the possible implementation of a campus-wide dress code, based on bill HB1234 that was recently proposed by a handful of Phoenix conservatives in the Arizona State Legislature.
A working task force has been studying how college dress affects educational quality and learning retention. The bill, "Revolution in Dress: A Strive for Higher Academic Standards," will likely be passed later this week with Likins' signature. Student senators refused to comment.
A student dress code is not a new philosophy. And it is not a surprise that the University of Arizona will hop on the bandwagon of many public and private schools nationwide. The controversy arises not when rules regarding dress are enforced in K-12, but rather in a university atmosphere.
UA elementary education junior, Jason Aillaud, said he supports the new dress code.
"I have to admit that dress codes enhance the learning environment," said Aillaud, who has volunteered at Mansfield Middle School where a stringent dress code has already been implemented. "From experience, I know that many guys are constantly distracted by the UA female wardrobe."
The new standards will most likely not go into effect the fall semester of 2002 without criticism and protests. Many feel that a completely adult task force cannot determine the dress code. What do you think? Should the new UA Dress Code be passed?
Somebody wake me
It's just six weeks until school is out for the summer, and the administration chooses late Friday afternoon to announce a sweeping dress code that will affect all students and faculty. Without any warning, without any polling of the student body, without even consulting the tired-out ASUA officers, admin. decides everything's going to change on campus. Somebody, please wake me.
I regret diminishing the quality of the Wildcat by being forced to discuss this, but this dress code cannot be accepted without a fight. I admit that as a former Catholic schoolgirl, there are advantages to uniforms: less clothing to buy, less decision-making in the mornings. But this is ridiculous! Panty hose required in the 100-degree weather of May and August? Earrings required on all females and prohibited on all males? High heels banned because of destruction to the grass on the Mall? Who wrote these guidelines, the Alumni Association?
The only high point is Clause 11B which states: "There will be a ban on all Frederick's of Hollywood style of wear as recently exhibited by many UA females." Now that's a change we can all live with. However, the rest of the guidelines must be dealt with. Stay tuned: I will be organizing a protest on the Mall.
Laura Winsky is a senior majoring in Spanish and political science. She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.
Platform shoes = back problems
You know, I've never been able to fathom how you ladies can walk around with those three-inch blocks on your feet. Look, I know some of you are a little short, and plastic surgery for feet just isn't as socially acceptable as breast implants and nose jobs. But being able to look the frat boys in the eye for the next year or two could have serious repercussions on your future physical health.
Released in 2001, a five-year study by the National Podiatry Institute concluded that, of all women who have worn platform shoes that are 2.5 inches or higher three or more days a week for a year or more, 72 percent have reported more frequent back and/or neck problems than those who don't wear these shoes. Further, the study revealed that 57 percent of women who began wearing these shoes by the age of 16 grew at least 0.5 inches less than those who did not by the age of 21, the age when most women stop growing in height. One in five lost at least an inch due to these shoes.
This aspect of the dress code is worthwhile and needs to be implemented immediately. Otherwise, the message will be that the UA simply doesn't care about its female students.
Shane Dale is a political science junior. He can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.
Rally the troops
My position on the proposed dress code shouldn't surprise anyone: I don't like it. It limits self-expression as well as comfort in the sweltering heat of the summer months - all six of them - and furthermore gives the administration yet another way to exert its manipulative powers over the student body.
What really concerns me, however, isn't the stated aims of the dress code - to "provide a less distracting atmosphere that will benefit students' education" - but what the regulations imply: that this is a problem with women, and not men.
Just look at the laundry list of gender-oriented restrictions that the dress code proposes: shorts that come down to at least 5" from the knee, no spaghetti straps or tube tops, no sandals, etc. Not only is the proposed uniform unbearably impractical for summer, but it is clearly aimed at one group of people. It's implied discrimination.
I encourage all women, even those who might not be affected by the dress code, to voice their opposition to the proposal. We need to let the administration know that we won't tolerate this type of gender-based restriction.
Caitlin Hall is a biochemistry and philosophy freshman. She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.
Some requirements reasonable; others aren't
Personal expression is one of our first liberties. At least it was, before Ashcroft started systematically taking most of our rights away. Nonetheless, there are some forms of personal expression at the University of Arizona that go beyond what is reasonable or in good taste. The proposed new dress code for UA students contains some good points, and others that are slightly unreasonable.
Requiring students to brush their teeth and shower regularly is a matter of common courtesy, and is perfectly reasonable for the university to require. Personal hygiene isn't a matter of personal expression, and opposing it is something even my fellow liberals should let go of.
However, banning platform shoes is one step too far. If some young women (and, well, it's 2002, I guess there could be men too) want to express themselves by standing eight feet tall and towering over those who wear plain tennis shoes, go for it! I have yet to be convinced that platform shoes pose any serious health risks, and we haven't barred all students from smoking, which poses proven health risks.
Short skirts and shorts are also a form of expression. What will girls do without their short shorts and skirts?
Yes to self-expression, no to bad hygiene.
Kendrick Wilson is a political science freshman. He can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.
Two thumbs up
The new dress policy is one of the first steps toward conservatism that I whole-heartedly agree with. Of course, like any policy on this campus, there are a few kinks, but let's address the positive points.
First of all, I really appreciate the no tube-top policy. Arizona has an abnormally high cancer rate. The girls, who possess a hideous and unnatural dark skin coloration that may eventually lead to skin cancer, might truly benefit from this new policy.
Also the option to start in on a campus-wide uniform policy, which may become a requirement in a couple years, is a great idea. No longer will people walk around with $500 Chanel sunglasses or $400 Louis Vuitton bookbags. I mean, is that really necessary for school life? I can understand the appeal of these items, but wearing them to class just seems excessive.
There is also a rule that forbids thong sandals on campus and recommends loafers. Again, this can reduce sun exposure as well as help us get over the horrific foot tan lines that outline these sandals. For three years, it seems this fad is never going to go out and neither is my own hideous foot tan.
In essence, this policy supercedes previous attempts because after Sept. 1, 2002, anyone wearing anything illegal will be fined $50. Big congrats to the administration for finally adopting a policy for which makes me proud to go to the University of Arizona.
Mariam Durrani is a systems engineering junior. She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.
|
|
Burt Reynolds is the standard to which we all strive. He cannot be reached.
|
|
Reynolds code of style
If properly executed, a dress code can be a code to fashion success. For my entire career, I've been dressing according to the expert advice of costume designers and agents. I guess you can call it a dress code. Call it whatever you like. For me, it's been a one-way street to sexy. And along the way, I've picked up some fashion sense, so listen up.
If the UA student body wants to be hot - Burt Reynolds hot - take some notes.
Men. One word: mustache. Or is that two? Must ash. Heh heh. But enough B.S. You wanna combine manliness and sexual irresistibility in perfect balance, you need a well-groomed mustache. For more information on mustache perfection, pick up my bestseller, "Mustache: The Burt Reynolds Story."
Ladies. I've been in my prime for the last 35 years. And like a fine bottle of wine, my stock goes up every year. But if I wore halter tops and miniskirts for the first 25 years of my career, fans would still expect it from me today. And frankly, I just can't deliver that kind of skin anymore. So here's a word of advice for you and your dress code: Burt likes confident women, and he knows that the more skin you show, the less confidence you have.
In sum, clothes for the ladies, mustaches for the men, and say no to drugs.
*April Fool's from the Arizona Daily Wildcat Perspectives' Desk!
