The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) is making headlines again, not for academic excellence this time, but for what many are calling the “fashion crackdown.”
Reports say several students were kicked out of class and sent home by a task force for dressing indecently.
The news has divided opinions. Some say, “It serves them right,” others feel it’s a step too far. But it leaves us all asking:
Who decides what’s decent on campus? Should universities control how students dress? Or should students be allowed to rock their style?
Decency is not written in stone. What’s indecent to a lecturer in his 50s might be perfectly acceptable to a Gen Z student. Across cultures, generations, and even campuses, fashion is constantly evolving.
What’s the rule?
Who gets to set the bar?
Is it the university, the lecturers, or society?
While some argue that dressing should reflect personal freedom and modern trends, others believe that certain standards must be maintained to protect the image of the university and encourage discipline.
For many students, fashion is not just about clothes; it’s about identity. Campus is one of the few spaces where they get to freely explore who they are.
“You can’t force everyone to dress the same way. It’s unfair. This is a university, not a boarding school.” Some students will say
Some lecturers also side with the students, saying they are not interested in policing fashion.
“What matters is your academic performance. Wear what makes you comfortable,” Some lecturers will say.
Is it right to judge a student’s seriousness based on their outfit? Should what you wear automatically define your character or intelligence?
While many are defending the freedom of dressing, others believe that some students have abused this freedom.
People supporting the UPSA task force argue that some outfits are simply unacceptable for the classroom.
Skimpy dresses, excessive exposure, and outfits that leave too little to the imagination are seen by some as disrespectful to the learning environment.
“There is a place for everything. The lecture hall is not a nightclub,” some will argue
Interestingly, many on social media are urging the task force to extend its operations to other campuses.Some people believe this crackdown should not be limited to UPSA alone because they feel indecent dressing is becoming a campus-wide problem in Ghana.
While some lecturers fully support the task force, others couldn’t care less.
“If you are comfortable and focused, I’m good. I’m here to teach, not to monitor clothing.” As a student myself, I often heard most lecturers say this
But some strongly believe that dress codes create an atmosphere of seriousness and professionalism.
To them, the way you present yourself is part of your training for the corporate world.
So, who is right?
Should Universities Introduce Uniforms?
Some people have gone as far as suggesting that maybe universities should introduce a uniform dressing style, not necessarily school uniforms, but possibly a standard guide on acceptable fashion.
Would that solve the problem?
Or would it turn universities into another version of SHS?
Can students still express themselves under such restrictions?
While students deserve freedom to explore their fashion choices, some self-check is necessary. Not every trend should be copied. Some fashion choices are just not appropriate for the academic space.
At the same time, universities should also avoid using force or embarrassment as the first response. A better approach may be dialogue, counseling, and clear, student-involved policies.
Fashion is powerful. It’s a statement. It’s a vibe. But it’s also a responsibility.
Students must ask themselves:
Is this outfit right for this environment?
Does it represent me well?
Universities must also ask:
Are we educating or just controlling?
Are our standards flexible enough to adapt to modern times?
The debate is not over. But one thing is clear: decency is not just about what you wear, it’s also about where you wear it.
What’s your view? Should the task force come to your campus? Should universities allow students to dress as they like? Share your thoughts! Let’s vibe!
