By Mallory Sherwood, Managing Editor
Face the Facts
It is a sad day when, by the middle of September, I am already in daily search of the most outrageous dress code violators. Usually the plethora of long, tan legs, bare shoulders and too much cleavage doesn’t reach its peak until the spring semester, but I fear this year tops all.
Just last week I passed a girl wearing a strapless dress. She takes the cake thus far.
Does it bother anyone else that women on campus are getting away with wearing short, frilly, mini-skirts, spaghetti strap, halter top or strapless shirts that show cleavage, as well as shirts that are more accurately called lingerie to class?
Women, take a stand and defend yourself and your image. Much more is at stake than not dressing in style. If you are unclear on what the dress code is, here is what the Student Guide says: “All students, staff and faculty are expected to dress with Christian appropriateness. Dress should be modest. Some extremes are not acceptable, including halter tops, crop tops/open midriffs, and short and/or revealing skirts and shorts.”
This doesn’t mean the university is trying to cramp your style, rather they want to protect you and your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Your choice of dress conveys a different message than what you probably intend. Much of what women wear on campus may be cute, perfectly accessorized or color-coordinated, but is it demonstrating to others your integrity?
We are called to a higher standard not only in the world, but at this university. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 says, “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
Women should dress in a way that not only shows they are women of faith, but in a way that protects their brothers in Christ. I don’t think that we, as women, realize the role we play in temptation. Men who are good guys fight with temptation and lust daily. This is a problem when we dress provocatively and cause them to fall.
Women shouldn’t think they need to dress like society tells them to in order to impress the men on campus. The first man I walked up to today told me that women get away with too much on campus, particularly with what shirts they wear. He said it is not appealing to guys on campus when women don’t value themselves or God with their bodies.
Don’t think that women are the only problem on campus with dress code. Far too many men wear pants around their ankles, with lovely polka dot and striped boxers sticking out. Please. You have a waist for a reason, so please keep your pants there, too. No one wants to see your underwear, so keep it tucked in.
Also, as Christian men, stand up for the women surrounding you and hold them accountable.
Lastly, I challenge the faculty and staff on campus to uphold the guidelines. The Student Guide says, “Implementation and enforcement of the dress code are the responsibility of the entire university community.”
Faculty have an equally important role that isn’t fulfilled enough. Students and co-workers look up to you. Be the example by not allowing students who violate the dress code to continue throughout their day. Please enforce the dress code in your classes.
As a woman, I understand that what many students wear is in-style and floods the department stores and malls. Don’t let it be your only choice, though. While some attire may be suitable for other occasions, campus shouldn’t be one of them.
I challenge each woman to evaluate what they wear each morning before heading to class and to consider the image they are portraying with their attire. I challenge the men to watch out for us women and to keep their head and pants held high, and I challenge the faculty to use their discretion at what is acceptable on campus, too.
Keep the spaghetti strapped, baring-all shirts, and skirts-so-short-that-you-shouldn’t-wear-them in the closet, and don’t forget to keep the boxers covered up.
