Hampton University Business School dean stands by ban on dreadlocks, cornrows

theGRIO REPORT - Sid Credle, dean of Hampton University's business school, stands by the ban he placed on dreadlocks and cornrows over a decade ago...

carrieheals

Aug 24, 2012

Sid Credle, dean of Hampton University’s business school, stands by the ban he placed on dreadlocks and cornrows over a decade ago. Credle imposed the controversial ban for students of the 5-year MBA program in the school of business back in 2001.

Credle said the ban was put into effect in order to help students land jobs in the corporate world, according to WVEC.

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

Hampton spokesperson Naima Ford added, “we model these students after the top African-Americans in the business world.”

Students of Hampton University feel they should be able to style their hair as they please. Freshman Uriah Bethea told WVEC, “It’s my life. I should be able to do whatever I want to do.”

Although the dreadlock and cornrow ban has been in place for 11 years, some are questioning whether it should be overturned.

The business school has placed nearly all of its students in professional jobs post-graduation, but were they hired because of their hairstyle?

Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.