06/10/2026
The Guidelines on Grooming Standards for All Student was posted on October 6, Tuesday at the USC Downtown Campus OSFA Office - once again placing students’ appearance and personal expression under restrictive standards.
The prescription of hairstyles, hair colors, restrictions on piercings, footwear, and even what constitutes an “appropriate” appearance, which goes beyond maintaining order. It dictates how one is supposed to look to be considered acceptable within the University.
Where were the students in deciding these standards?
These policies directly affect students, which for the best outcome requires student participation rather than being informed after the fact. It has skipped the process of meaningful consultations which provide students the opportunity to raise concerns, proposals for alternatives, and participate in shaping policies that govern everyday university life.
A university should be a space where students are afforded the opportunity to express themselves and be engaged as an active participant rather than a passive one - where a space where conformity doesn’t equate discipline.
Students are members of the academic community, and should therefore be afforded the voice in these matters, as well as be given true consideration in the making and implementation of it.
Our appearance is ours. Our expression should not be disregarded. Our university should listen.
