“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold…” – Bob Marley

Photo from gallery at bobmarley.com

You have got to be kidding me.

Look at Bob. Mister Marley.  Dreaded and happy.  His iconic image and legacy is the basis for many flourishing businesses – run by his lock wearing, business savvy family.  His kids are into it all – many aspects of business – coffee, clothing, music, movies, and more.  Many of us can only hope to come close to Bob Marley’s achievements in business and politics… by 36.

As a graduate of an HBCU business school, I do understand the pressure that Deans are under. They need to place students at high profile companies to validate their programs and get more funding. I understand warning a student that when he meets some closed minded individual in a position of power, dreadlocks may prevent him from being able to get in based on merit and talent, but students should still be allowed to make their own decisions. No one got that more than my Dean at A&T, Dr. Craig.  Dean Craig couldn’t understand my drive to be an entrepreneur, and demanded that if I was going to keep my scholarship, I’d have to at least go on one interview – be sure that corporate America wasn’t what I wanted to pursue.  I understood, hopped on a plane to the midwest, and hated every minute of it.  When I got back, we talked, he got it – and I graduated, magna cum laude, scholarship intact.

So here we are at Hampton. Another HBCU, that is known in the family of HBCU’s as the “bougie aunt.” Well – I just gave it that name, but you know who I am talking about.  The one who is all about how you dress, how you look, who your family is, etc.  I am not at all surprised.

As reported by the local ABC affiliate in Hampton, VA:

Business School Dean Sid Credle believes the ban has been effective in helping his students land corporate jobs.

“We’ve been very successful. We’ve placed more than 99 percent of the students who have graduated from this school, this program,” said Credle.

“These students choose to be in this program and aspire to be leaders in the business world. We model these students after the top African-Americans in the business world,” said HU spokesperson Naima Ford.

Credle said it’s important for students to look the part when looking for a job.

Students enrolled in the 5 year MBA program cannot wear dreadlocks or cornrows in class.

My baby boy, my itty bitty entrepreneur, was told he couldn’t come back to his kindergarten class without a proper haircut... by proper, they meant the mohawk that he requested that my husband cut for him.  Well – he went to school, eventually got it cut… when it was time to get it cut… AFTER school pictures.  My oldest had a super fro at one point, and he was told that it had to be cut.  We just patted it down for school… a lot.

1. Men aren’t guaranteed to even have hair after 30 – why not let them enjoy it while they have it.

2. I am raising powerful individuals, not clones.

3. I am giving any educator that doesn’t celebrate individuality, especially in business, the side eye.

4. Don’t put me in a box, then tell me to be an innovative business leader.

5. Aren’t you confident enough in the education that you have provided and the program that you have designed, as a dean, that you are certain that my mind and my grades can stand on their own without being overshadowed by a hairstyle?

So you have placed almost all your students in companies – without dreads. Fine. Why not test the strength of your program, Mr. Credle, and see how many you can place with hair that actually reflects their personality and personal choice.  Let’s focus on nurturing and preparing great business minds – innovative, educated, individuals – not just be a body shop for yet another carbon copy black executive.

Oh, and as far as I know, Stanford, Harvard, and Yale place plenty of graduates without these rules in place.  Dean Credle, if you think that your school lacks the reputation and education quality that the aforementioned schools have, and therefore your students have to assimilate to compete – work on that… hair is the least of your worries.  Still want to go to an HBCU? Try A&T, the first lady spoke at our graduation this year! Tell Dr. Craig that Eva sent you. Look in the state of the art School of Business and Economics building… that’s right… the Craig building.