Hampton University Reader Poll & Stats Response Rate

Below are some of the comments from our readers. There were hundreds!!! Thanks for your responses.

But here are just some of the comments...

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY – Comments and Survey Stats

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!That's what wrong with American today. Attitudes like that!!! People need to wake up. Hair is about expression of individuality. People need to look more closely at their achievement and not what is on their heads (as long as it is neat). Kanika, U.S.A

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!I think putting restrictions on students hair is ridiculous. It is important to have good grooming skills and be professional looking in business. Who says dreds and afros cannot be professional looking. They should be clean, groomed and pulled back off face if need be. Also, students are on a budget. Sometimes wearing these styles are as much economical as they are lifestyle choices. We preach diversity, but do we really believe in it. I do not advocate, nose rings, gold teeth, tattoes...thing that mar the body. This is just like saying your hair should not be long, past your shoulders- long hair is not very "professional" looking unless it is pulled back- off the face. This is a little too far. Victoria, U.S.A

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!It's not important what is "on" my head, It's important what is "in" my head. Enough said. Mia, U.S.A

I AGREE – It’s an Excellent Idea!Unfortunately, we have to face the reality of things. I am a Hampton alum, and although sometimes I feel my alma matter is too conservative, it's views are overwhelmingly supported by reality. Our biz school is underwritten by top names, such as Ernst & Young and Price Waterhouse Cooper. I know many people do not agree with the stance they have taken (for their 5-year MBAs only), I think that their ultimate goal is to ensure that the graduates are prepared in a myriad of ways for the real world. I am a former attorney, and I was natural when I worked in a large firm. I wore a conservative flip style (a la Condi Rice - not too proud, but it is what it is) because that was the culture of not only the firm, but the corporate law profession. Likewise, the culture of these big-time, big-name business companies have not quite accepted natural hair in the workplace. . .unfortunate, but reality. I think that once the student's foot is in the door, they can do what they want. However, Hampton is striving to ensure that the student's foot gets in the door. These businesses won't allow a man with a ponytail either. . . Karlyn, U.S.A

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!What they are saying is that blacks need to look more "white" in corporate America. This is especially disturbing coming from a historically black university. Sandra, U.S.A

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!It infuriates me that society is so obsessed with how African Americans wear our hair. Unfortunately, there are not enough major black power brokers in the business world. If there were I don't think something as trivial as a hair style would matter (unless of course it was unkempt, outrageous and wild). The sad fact is that for the most part we have to pander to europeans for jobs. It is just another way to exercise control over us. I don't see a problem with neat dreads or cornrows. I happen to be female in my 50's. Pat, U.S.A

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!The college administrators at Hampton who are responsible for banning African hairstyles are woefully ignorant and short-sighted to force their business students to conform. Their rationale about grooming their students for the conservative business world completely makes every effort they put forth towards self-love and Black pride hypocritical.Their concerns are dated and backwards. Wherever our forward-thinking young people are out there, I hope they decide to get their college degree elsewhere. Tamara, U.S.A

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!In one aspect I agree that it is hard if not difficult to assimilate into corporate America with extreme hairstyles. On the other hand, it shows us how restricted we still are as a race. If we want to fit in, we can't be ourselves. I have a question, is a woman with naturally curly hair acceptable or would she have to straighten her hair? LaVerne, U.S.A

I AGREE – It’s an Excellent Idea!Well, I agree and disagree at the same time. I do believe that you can wear dreads and cornrows in a presentable manner and still look professional. I agree that their should be limitations on students in order to have them look professional but to specifically rule out certain hair style is where I disagree. As I mentioned earlier you can still look professional with cornrows and dreadlocks if they are style a certain way. Ty, U.S.A

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!that is racial profiling, and discrimination and i've recommended this school to numerous students (i'm a youth counselor for troubled youth in s. la) personally now that i know this about this universities policies i will remind my self not to recommend anyone of an ethnic background to go to that school because that’s what it sound like its getting at because these type of hairstyles can still be professional. I'm also a licensed cosmetologist and i know for a fact that natural hairstyles can become professional because 85% of my customers wear natural styles and they are in professional fields so thats just a ridiculous policy that is going to stir a big problem. Aleishia, U.S.A

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!Maybe if the school was more confident in their ability to educate confident business people...they would allow the student to promote themselves looking as they feel most confident. Stephanee, U.S.A.

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!People should be able to express the real them. That's means they should NOT be told how to do THIER Own HAIR. Ashley, U.S.A.

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!I think this is Racist. Our country has come too far for this. Lisa, U.S.A.

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!We as black people need to stop being our own worse enemies. Howard University, a totally black oriented university takes this same ruling with their school of business. If we don't learn to accept and embrace ourselves, then we need to stop complaining and protesting about other races that don't either. Slavery would have never been abolished and deemed unacceptable if we never stood against it. Let us take a stand against those who don't like our hair, our skin, our full lips, etc. Instead of us taking the kinks out of our hair, we need to demand that they take the kinks out of their brains. Julie K, U.S.A.

I AGREE – It’s an Excellent Idea!Of course those extreme hairstyles would conflict with a conservative dress code. Appearance does matter. A business student should understand that he or she will be expected to present a neat, businesslike appearance. Dreadlocks or wild hairstyles? Get a grip! Kathleen, U.S.A.

I AGREE – It’s an Excellent Idea!Although I wear my hair natural and I feel I would be offended if someone told me I had to change for the sake someone else's comfort level. But revolutionary thoughts aside, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Sounds a bit old fashion, but until we make it a point to own our own businesses and make our own rules that's just the way it is. Also, cornrows and dreads have begun take on a new life, due to rappers and others wearing the hair styles. Once, it was the pro-black brothers and sisters wearing these styles, but somehow along the way it has turned into the hairstyle for the ghetto-fabulous. Rachelle, U.S.A.

I AGREE – It’s an Excellent Idea!I work in Corporate America and my questions for those who disagree is: How many CEOs to you know with dreads and braids. I do believe that it is unfair that people can't be themselves but if you chose a certain profession you choose to look the part. - Hampton Alum c/o 99 Elisha, U.S.A

I AGREE – It’s an Excellent Idea!Flowing dreadlocks are nasty Lin, U.S.A

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!That doesn't make sense because in the corporate world either they are going to hire you or not it's best to stay true to yourself and your heritage. Talisha, U.S.A

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!It's a shame that some black people in America insist on allowing themselves to be conformed by the "White Way". If we keep allowing cacausions to set the standard for beauty and acceptance for us we will never make progress towards diversity, self empowerment, or selfworth. Creativity cannot grow when it is constricted. I guess Hampton will now set the standard for cookie cutter Uncle Tom mentalities at black universities. Hey Hampton Business Administration Students! "If you don't stand for something youll fall for anything". Jamie, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!The "corporate world" should judge your ability not your hair. I guess if I was bald naturally as a woman I would have to wear a wig. That is not fair. I guess they want everyone to look the same..with straight and long hair down our backs! Felicia, U.S.A

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!All hair styles can be made to fit any occassion, as well as the work place. Why must someone change for a University? Mrs. Worsley, U.S.A.

I AGREE – It’s an Excellent Idea! / I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!I see merit in both sides and I understand Hampton's rational and concerns about the realities of perceptions of appearance in much of the corporate world in regards to acceptance, getting in the door,qualifications, professionalism, etc. We've got to make the decision to do what we must do to get to where we need and want to go without compromising really important personal values. However,I don't agree with the sweeping generalizations about wearing natural hair. What's wrong with a neat short or long locks hairstyle? It's natural hair. Is Hampton suggesting that black females are only acceptable in the business world with unnatural, unhealthy straightened hair, or unhealthy, not natural weaves? Why not also commit to educating corporate America about the benefits of diversity for the whole person? Audrey, U.S.A

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!This is an absolute disgrace. Oppression takes many forms... "white" beauty standards are one of the most insidious. Thank God I don't live in America. Sarah, France

I DISAGREE – It’s Absurd!I think this is going to far. Kelley, U.S.A.

I DISAGREE - It's Absurd!It's appauling that in this day and age braids and locs are considered offensive. As long as they are well-groomed, there shouldn't be a problem. Natalie, Canada

I DISAGREE - It's Absurd!A PERSON'S HAIR DOES NOT DETERMINE WHO HE OR SHE IS. Lee, U.S.A.

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