There is no doubt that the underlying discussion surrounding the issue of Morehouse’s new dress code is the SEXUAL IDENTITY of some students. For many years, there have been several truths and some myths about the presence of homosexuality on Morehouse’s ALL MALE campus. However, less face the real fact, what is the probability that there will be young men with proclaimed alternative lifestyles on an all male campus? The probability is very high, as well as, absolute. A discussion of the demographics and percentages of whose gay, who’s not, those on the down low, tops versus bottoms, and whatever new terms are out there, are just not necessary at this juncture.

Here is the real issue, GRADUATION. A number of young men come to Morehouse because of its strong tradition of educating African-American men. I don’t think that there are any young men, or parents of any student, that scrapes up funds to sends him to Morehouse (an expensive, private, all-male, Accredited college) to get a husband or wife. Let’s be frank, college life is a time of exploration, academic achievement or failure, and the realization of self-sexual identity. For those of us who can make it through four years, this is the time when we realize who we really are in society. Now the challenge is can you totally punk-out and graduate on time? Yes, I said punk-out! (If this term is still relative)If you decide to challenge societal norms by trying to prove how oppositional you can be to a dress code, on an all male college campus, they should put your behind out. Morehouse is about educating young men and equipping them for professional success in society.

I remember when I attended Morehouse, those that spent much time challenging administration or societal norms, just did not graduate on time or at all. (Yes, a nice way of saying coming-out) This is not really an issue of being straight or gay, if there is any such thing (Check out the Kinsey Scale); it is about academic responsibility. Morehouse must take a stand. President Franklin is not monitoring bedroom behavior, he is monitoring classroom behavior. Therefore, you are still free to express yourself as you wish in an appropriate manner. The bottom line is the number of African-American males completing college is at an all time low. Let’s get it together brothers.

Finally, sexual identity is becoming an HBCU challenge. I am sure that no one would challenge the idea that homosexuality is present on our campuses. However, when men, born with male genitalia, decide to incorporate themselves into historic and traditional female sororities underground, i.e. Alpha Kappa Alpha or Delta Sigma Theta, enough is enough. It is my opinion that those organizations should bring the identified individuals forward legally for defamation of their organizations. Once again, tough times call for tough rules. Immediate parent notification should also be included for identified individuals.  I can guarantee you, no struggling parent would send there son or daughter to college to punk-out and not complete their formal education.

Points to Ponder

• Morehouse is an ALL male college, if you think or chose differently, go somewhere else!
• College is a place to come and prepare for your future, not ruin it.
• Be free to express yourself and sexual identity in an appropriate manner because you never know where your next opportunity will land!

Enough Said

AskDrO

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