hould HBCUs Ban Bonnets? The Tuskegee Debate Everyone's Talking About

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Latest with Loren LaRosa

Episode Title: Should HBCUs Ban Bonnets? The Tuskegee Debate Everyone's Talking About
Host: Loren LaRosa
Date: July 30, 2026
Podcast Network: The Black Effect Podcast Network and iHeartPodcasts

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Episode Overview

This episode tackles a debate sweeping the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) community and trending across social media: whether Tuskegee University's updated dress code policy—specifically its ban on bonnets and durags in classrooms and cafeterias—is a matter of necessary professional preparation or an example of outdated respectability politics. Host Loren LaRosa dissects the policy, draws from her own HBCU experience, and considers both sides of the argument, encouraging listeners to add their voices to the conversation.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Debate: Tuskegee's New Dress Code

[11:53]

• Loren introduces the Tuskegee University controversy:
  • The administration announced a dress code prohibiting revealing clothing, bedroom shoes, bonnets, and durags in classrooms and the cafeteria.
  • Students are also required to have a business suit and shoes for official events.
  • The update was communicated via a letter signaling a new "renaissance era" for the university with record enrollment numbers.

Notable Quote:

“Tuskegee is focused on challenging you academically with resources to ensure graduation while preparing you for the workplace...Employers are less forgiving and too often presentation may overrule stellar preparation.” [12:54] (Reading from the Tuskegee letter)

• Loren contextualizes: Dress codes and etiquette expectations are long-standing at HBCUs. She shares her experience at Delaware State University, where such mandates were part of "freshman seminar" or etiquette/life skills classes.

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2. The Legacy and Purpose of Dress Codes at HBCUs

[14:22]

• Loren argues that HBCU dress codes aren't new or unique to Tuskegee, nor are they inherently restrictive—rather, they're part of a tradition of preparing Black students for workplaces (which, she notes, can be less forgiving of Blackness).
• HBCUs aim to “shape Black people into these beautiful, well rounded people who go out into the world and just eat it up.”

Notable Quote:

“That is the genius of going to an HBCU because not only do you learn...there’s this understated, like, they don’t even have to say it...they’re telling you what they’re prepping you for...so you can understand who you are and how you’re walking into the world.” [16:12]

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3. Respectability Politics vs. Practical Preparation

[17:53]

• Loren relays how the debate has polarized online spaces. She quotes Essence Girls United’s op-ed, which calls the dress code an example of "respectability politics"—the attempt to encourage marginalized groups to adopt mainstream, white standards in hopes of avoiding discrimination.
• She defines the term crediting historian Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham (1993) and frames the central question: Is the dress code protecting students or policing them?

  “Respectability politics places blame on groups already impacted by discrimination rather than addressing the systems that create inequality.” [18:40]

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4. Loren's Personal Stance and Nuanced Take

[24:22]

• Loren does not see the policy as problematic or racially motivated, especially since it arises within the Black community itself. She places emphasis on self-standards:

“Black people...I don’t think this is one of them things that we make all about race, especially not coming from our people...It would be completely different if this was a white school telling students that and...singling out Black students, I would understand that. But even then I would say you ain’t supposed to be outside in that stuff anyway.” [24:22]

• She acknowledges exceptions (e.g., students from underprivileged backgrounds without other clothing) but generally believes presenting oneself well is a baseline expectation.
• College is a “place of business” where opportunities can arise at any time—students should be prepared to make the right impression.

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5. The Social Media Response

[25:50]

• Loren shares viral reactions, including a tweet by Dragonfly Jones:

“I promise you, when it was class presentation day or job fair, everybody on campus, everybody on my HBCU was showing up dressed and extremely professional. These kids know when it’s time to get starched and creased. Who gives a F if they’re wearing pajama pants to a Tuesday class at 8am?” [25:53] (via Twitter/X)

• Another point highlighted: Some argue school should not create barriers to education—students should feel welcome however they show up. Essence quoted Jay So Famous:

"If wearing a bonnet is the difference between you coming and not coming to class, wear the bonnet, wear the Pjs...Come get this lesson. We'll discuss how you should present to the outside world afterwards." [29:41] (Paraphrased reading from Essence)

• Loren respectfully disagrees, pointing out the difference between necessity and choice and asserts that a minimum standard for public appearance is not an oppression issue but about self-respect and preparedness:

"No one's asking you to come with a four piece suit on...They're just saying, yo, put on the jeans and a T shirt, please. Take your scarf off, take your durag off. I don't see nothing wrong with it." [30:30]

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6. Broader Implications: HBCU Experiences & Real-World Prep

[31:53]

• Loren recaps the value of HBCU education as "molding" individuals for life as professionals and Black people in America, where presentation does matter and can be a matter of opportunity or, even, safety:

“Showing up in the world the right way is important, especially for young black kids. Okay? It can literally...It can literally be life or death for your children. We need to be honest with them about that.” [34:24]

• She expresses a desire to further discuss this with HBCU students and grads on the podcast for a broader range of perspectives.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We’re literally like the new adults. Like, this is so real. I was having a conversation about medicine dosage, post-op care for [my grandma], trying to come up with a plan in my head of, like, who’s going to be with her for these next, like, 48 hours to make sure she does take it easy...I am grown. This is crazy.”
  [04:08] Loren LaRosa reflecting on adulting and personal responsibilities.

• “I really want to hear from y'all. Get in the streets, get in the tweets...maybe we'll bring some HBCU grads and current HBCU students on the podcast because I really want to have this conversation.”
  [33:49] Loren, extending the conversation to her listeners.

• “[At HBCUs] It’s not on you, it’s in you. But let’s be very honest about how the world views us as a marginalized community...I would never tell somebody to put bricks on. No, ain’t nothing wrong with you taking that scarf off for a dang 30...classes be like 30 minutes sometimes.”
  [32:31] Loren on the realities of Black presentation in society.

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Important Timestamps

• [11:53] – Summary of Tuskegee’s letter and policy highlights.
• [14:22] – Loren’s HBCU experience and the traditional role of dress codes.
• [17:53] – Reading and analysis of Essence’s “respectability politics” critique.
• [24:22] – Loren’s perspective on personal presentation and the racial framing of the debate.
• [25:50] – Social media responses; notable quotes from Dragonfly Jones and Jay So Famous.
• [31:53] – Loren reflects on HBCU legacy, presentation as survival, and invites further conversation.

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Overall Tone & Takeaway

Loren LaRosa approaches the subject with an affectionate, community-oriented tone—a mix of earnest critique, personal storytelling, and a challenge to listeners to reconsider whether this issue is about marginalization...or about preparing Black youth to make their mark in an often unforgiving world. While recognizing the sensitivity around respectability politics, she maintains that some standards benefit, not harm, the community. She encourages dialogue and looks forward to deeper, broader perspectives on the next episode.

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Transcript

[Lauren LaRosa]

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[50 Cent]

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[50 Cent]

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[Lauren LaRosa]

What's up? It's Lauren LaRosa. And this is another episode of the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. This is your daily dig on all things pop culture, entertainment news, and all of the conversations that shake the room, baby. All right, so checking in behind the scenes of the grind. I told you guys that we were ripping. We're running, we were going, we're getting ready for a lot of things this week. Still in the motion. In the mix of that. I'm currently coming to you guys from Delaware right now. I came home. I came home to just make sure things was cool. Grandma had a small procedure, but she came up out of it strong. Everything is good. Getting older is crazy. I know we talked about this a bit on a previous episode because the roles just really reverse. I, like, honestly, this was a in, in the morning, out by evening type of surgery. Outpatient. For those of you guys who don't know the difference, outpatient is, like, where you come. They do whatever they're going to do, procedure wise, and then you go home. Inpatient is where they have to keep you overnight, monitor you, all those things. So normally things that are, like, you less invasive or like, just. Just smaller of a procedure, smaller of a process are outpatient. So you're there, you get what you need to get done, and you go home. And that's what she did. But because I'm typically the person that, like, will talk to doctors on her behalf and follow medicines for her and just. Just, you know, all those things, it just made her more comfortable for me to be here. And I realized today that we're really over the hill when it comes to, like, the roles reversing, like my mom. So my grandmother was just in, like, the. What is it called, like, the recovery area where they. They, you know, they put you in this area where you, like, rest for a bit, they monitor you to make sure that, like, the medicines are wearing off the way they should, like, all the things, right? So my grandmother's there. My aunt is with me. So I'm taking my uncle and my mom. I'm dropping them back off because they'd been there all morning while I was at work. We kind of switched off shifts, and when we were leaving, I was just, you know, talking to the nurses and asking questions about, you know, how the medicine, how she was reacting to the medicine and different stuff. And I was on the phone while I was doing it, and my boyfriend, like, as I was leaving out he was like, yo, you are like such a great granddaughter. Like, I know you. She is happy you are there. And in that moment, it wasn't about the compliment. Like, I appreciate the compliment because child, leave it to my grandma. She will tell you I'm too busy. I'm always on my phone. I don't spend enough time. It was more so like for me, that was like the realization moment of like, dang, like, if I wasn't here right now, it's literally me and my brother and so, you know, he's running around. Today is my niece's birthday. He's running around like a chicken with his head caught out, trying to make sure that he has everything straight for that. He also works. And then I'm getting off work, switching shifts with my mom checking on him. Like, we're literally like the new adults. Like, this is so real. Like, I was having a conversation about medicine dosage, post op care for her, trying to come up with a plan in my head of like, who's going to be with her for these next like 48 hours to make sure she does take it easy, doesn't drive because I also have to get back to work. But then my brother has to work and I'm like, yo, we really adults out here. It's crazy when it just hits me sometimes. Like, it will randomly just hit me and I'll be like, I am grown. This is crazy. So today was one of those moments. But yes, my mom is fine, y'. All. So thanks to everybody that like, sends up prayers for her and all of the things, I knew that she'd be good. I think it just, you know, gives her a sense of comfort that we're all there. Especially in her older age. She's always over warying about certain things. So. Yeah, but let's get on into the latest because speaking about us being the new adults now, this conversation has been going on for the last, like 48 hours. Y' all have been screaming at your phones on Tick Tock, typing up a storm from substack to Twitter to Threads, because to see Tuskegee University updated their ban of various clothing items or their dress code on campus.

[Sprite Living Tracklist Narrator]

Yo, I was scrolling through the Sprite Living track list the other day and immediately started arguing with myself. And it was wild because records like California Love still not a Player and back then are so much more than words and songs. They're moments, they're memories. They're snapshots of where hip hop was and where it's going. That's what sprite gets. They spent over 40 years celebrating artists who define the culture, and now they're turning the conversation over to the fans. And if you're like me, the real fun is getting into the why. Why did this song matter? Why did this line hit? Why did it change hip hop forever? Now, I can't promise you any answers, but with Sprite, you have a good time figuring it out. Check out the full Sprite Living track list and break down the stories behind your favorite bars atliving track list.gienius.com. this is the Sprite Living track list. Obey your thirst.

[DJ Envy]

What up, y'?

[Sprite Living Tracklist Narrator]

All?

[DJ Envy]

It's DJ Envy. We're at the premiere of Fightland, executive produced by my guy, 50 Cent. Yeah, now listen, you know you've done a lot on it over here. America decided to go to UK for this one.

[50 Cent]

Yeah, this one is different.

[DJ Envy]

So break it down for people that haven't seen it comes out the 31st. So tell us about Fightland.

[50 Cent]

Yeah, it's exciting. This one is a UK based show. I got Ottawa Bathurst to direct it. So the first two episodes he did really dope. And then I got like the other guys that I got to do throughout the season. It's like, top notch, bro. So you're gonna see this one's gonna feel like it's a grade better than what I did, like in PA Power.

[DJ Envy]

Really?

[50 Cent]

I. I promise that.

[DJ Envy]

Now, for people that haven't seen it yet, it comes out July 31st. Fightland. How would you describe Fightland?

[50 Cent]

I'd say it's a family crime drama.

[DJ Envy]

Okay.

[50 Cent]

Right. And it has an intensity and action that you would, you would. You would feel you received in the action film. And it does things that the other series don't do because we kind of jump timelines throughout the episodes and stuff like this. So you'll see things and go, oh, like things flashing back and things going to different, you know, backwards and forwards.

[DJ Envy]

I seen the first episode. I didn't see you in it. Are you in this season or are you at any season or. No, because usually we'll get a pop up, a 50. A pop up here and there. Are you in Fightland at all?

[50 Cent]

No. I might have to work on my British accent.

[DJ Envy]

Have you tried?

[50 Cent]

No, no, I did. Well, I would have to work on it to do it, to get in this.

[DJ Envy]

What keeps you motivated to do it. You don't need the money. It's just like at this point, what is it for?

[50 Cent]

Nah, it's cool creatively, like. No, no project is great because of one person. It's a collective, you know what I mean? And what I get a chance to do is communicate what they feel to the network before it gets like they start developing reputations of being difficult or doing things, but they're comfortable expressing how they feel to me. You know, now I'm at a stage where I can, you know, finance and license the project instead of giving it to the networks for them to own.

[DJ Envy]

The series premiere of Fightland drops July 31st only on Starz, with new episodes streaming weekly on Fridays.

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[Lauren LaRosa]

and they're talking about the fact that bonnets and do rags are not allowed in classrooms and cafeterias right now. I'm going to read to you guys how this all started. There was a letter that was sent out. Where is the letter? Let me get the letter. There was a letter that was sent out by administrators at Tuskegee. And I want to preface this with saying that this is not uncommon. Yo, like, when I went to Delaware State University, that was like, you learned in your. Like, your freshman year of college. I don't know if it's like this at PWIs, but at HBCUs, you have something like it. I don't know what every school calls it, but most schools will call it like a freshman seminar. And it's basically like an etiquette class. It's like a life etiquette class. Like, speaking of being the new adult, that class is like, yo, you here. You grown. Make it to class on time. Dress, you know, appropriately. Welcome to the new world. It's about professionalism. Let us remind you now. Go off, be great. Enjoy your four years. So these dress codes and various things are not new. Like, I know on, like, so, like, if you had business seminars, certain days you would have to dress up at school. Like, there's always been religiously. Like, there's always been dress codes on HBCU campuses. So I don't know why everybody's freaking out about this. People just don't listen. People just don't do it. People still are going to wear durags. People still going to wear their bonnets. I don't agree that you should do any of that. When stepping out the house around people, I think do rags are a little bit different for the boys because they also, like, throw hat. Y' all know, y' all put hats over them and hoodies and stuff like that. Girls. Nah, I never was. I never was jockeying the scarves in class, the bonnets, any of that stuff. Like, I don't even feel right walking out my house and getting in my car that way unless I have a hood on. But. So there was a letter that was sent out from the. The new Tuskegee president. It said, dear T. Tuskegee University students, we are excited to welcome you to Tuskegee University next month as you arrive at an extraordinary time in university's history. Tuskegee has entered its renaissance era of transformation and renewal. And we are expecting a 32 year old new student enrollment high in August. I love to see HBCU celebrate that because I still remember the day when I was telling people that I was going to an HBCU and they were like, for what? Your degree isn't going to mean anything. And now all of these HBCUs are celebrating record high attendance levels because HBCUs are just becoming the destination, as they should be. And they're shaping black people into these beautiful, well rounded people who go out into the world and just eat it up, eat it up, eat it up. But the letter continues. Tuskegee is focused on challenging you academically with resources to ensure graduation while preparing you for the workplace. You are required to find internships in their area of interest. You are required to define internships in your area of interest, identify certifications to enhance professional skills and develop a resume. There are more than 30 certifications you can get at Tuskegee at no additional cost. You must also visit the university's career center in Kenny Hall. Okay, so they go through like a bunch of different things, student policy, all of that. And then they update on what the dress code will be. So they say Tuskegee students now have a dress code with a biz. I'm sorry? Tuskegee students now have a dress code for public and professional places. The student handbook requires students to arrive on campus with a business suit and a proper pair of shoes for business meetings. Again, that was so standard at my college. Students are prohibited from wearing revealing clothing in class. Baby, you be needing that especially on like a Thursday when everybody just trying to go straight to Thursday, Thursday after class to the cafeteria or in official settings like convocation. Convocation is typically like what I was telling you guys about, like those big meetings where they bring like the whole student body together and you're having to dress up often times if the, if the school has like a big like religious based building. So whether it's like a church on school campus or chapel or something like that, it happens there. If not happens in like one of the bigger student centers, they continue. They're also not able to wear bedroom shoes, bonnets, or do rags to class or the cafeteria. Now it says that the goal here is not meant to restrict you from enjoying the Tuskegee experience, but to prepare you with a solid foundation for the workforce you will enter. Once you leave Tuskegee. Employers are less forgiving and too often presentation may over rule stellar preparation. That is the point of going to an illustrious hbcu. It is all about shaping you for the world and how the world views you as a black person, as a black professional, and as someone who is stepping into it to take over it, like literally understanding the etiquette and the nuance of navigating each room and time and place and all of those things. That is the genius of going to an hbcu because not only do you learn, and I think when you move into out, like, I don't know what it's like to commute to college. I've never commuted to college, so I can't speak to that, but I can speak to the experience of living on campus. So hbcu or not living on campus as a student, like you talk about we the new adults, it really grows you up. You learn so much about presentation, about, you know, being prompt, about dealing with when you're not prompt, when you're not on time, about bill pay, even at a small level, if it's just your cell phone bill, you know, making sure, like eating and setting a schedule for yourself. Discipline, oh my God, friends, like just everything you learn so much about, it's like a, a trial run to conduct your real life living on campus. At hbcu, it is all of that. But there's also this, like, understated, like they don't even have to say it. Even though they do. They're very intentional at HBCUs about telling you what they're prepping you for. Why? So that you're aware and that you can understand who you are and how you're walking into the world. And things like this are just to keep you sharp. Now, there are a lot of people that are upset about this. I saw ESSENCE in Essence. They have like a college like platform that they do called Essence Girl or not College. But it's like younger. It's like geared toward like the younger women of essence. It's called Essence Girls United for like Gen Z and Zillennials, they call them. So they did like this whole kind of like a op ed breakdown and they talked about respectability politics, Right? So respectability politics, they say, is coined by historian Evelyn Brooks. And it's from. It was coined in 19. Evelyn Brooks Higabotham in 1993. Respectability Politics refers to a set of beliefs that suggest conformity to prescribed mainstream standards of appearance and behavior can protect members of marginalized groups, particularly black people, from prejudice and systems and systematic injustices. Respectability politics place blame on groups already impacted by discrimination rather than addressing the systems that create inequality. Right. So then they continue. Respectability politics acts Whether we look at respectability enough liberation acts, why respect has to be earned in the first place. Black excellence has never lived in a dress code. It has always lived in our brilliance. The challenge is deciding whether presentation is a part of preserving that legacy or policing it.

[Sprite Living Tracklist Narrator]

Yo, I was scrolling through the Sprite Living track list the other day and immediately started arguing with myself. It was wild. Because records like California Love, Still Not a Player and Back Then are so much more than words and songs. They're moments, they're memories, they're snapshots of where hip hop was and where it's going. That's what Sprite gets. They spent over 40 years celebrating artists who define the culture, and now they're turning the conversation over to the fans. And if you're like me, the real fun is getting into the why. Why did this song matter? Why did this line hit? Why did it change hip hop forever? Now, I can't promise you any answers, but with Sprite, you have a good time figuring it out. Check out the full Sprite Living track list and break down the stories behind your favorite bars atliving track list.gienius.com. this is the Sprite Living track list. Obey your thirst.

[DJ Envy]

What up, y'?

[Cabenuva Advertiser]

All?

[DJ Envy]

It's DJ Envy. We're at the premiere of Fightland, executive produced by my guy, 50 Cent. Yeah, now listen, you know you've done a lot on it over here. America decided to go to UK for this one.

[50 Cent]

Yeah, this one is different.

[DJ Envy]

So break it down for people that haven't seen it comes out the 31st. So tell us about Fightland.

[50 Cent]

Yeah, it's exciting. This one is a UK based show. I got Ottawa Bathurst to direct it. So the first two episodes he did really dope. And then I got like the other guys that I got to do throughout the season. It's like, top notch, bro. So you're gonna see this one is gonna feel like it's a grade better than what I did it like in Power.

[DJ Envy]

Really.

[50 Cent]

I promise that.

[DJ Envy]

Now, for people that haven't seen it yet, it comes out July 31st. Fightland. How would you describe fighting?

[50 Cent]

I'd say it's a family crime drama.

[DJ Envy]

Okay.

[50 Cent]

Right. And it has an intensity and action that you would, you would, you would feel you received in the action film. And it does things that the other series don't do because we kind of jump timelines throughout the episodes and stuff like this. So you'll see things and go, oh, like things flashing back and things going to different, you know, backwards and forwards.

[DJ Envy]

I seen the first episode I didn't see you in it. Are you in this season or are you at any season or. No, because usually we'll get a pop up, a 50, a pop up here and there. Are you in Fightland at all?

[50 Cent]

No. I'm going to have to work on my British accent.

[DJ Envy]

Have you tried?

[50 Cent]

No, no, I did. I. Well, I would have to work on it to do it, to get in this movie.

[DJ Envy]

What keeps you motivated to do it? You don't need the money. It's just like at this point, what is it for?

[50 Cent]

Nah, it's cool creatively, like, no, no project is great because of one person. It's a collective. You know what I mean? And what I get a chance to do is communicate what they feel to the network before it gets like they start developing reputations of being difficult or doing things, but they're comfortable expressing how they feel to me, you know, now I'm at a stage where I can, you know, finance and. And license the project instead of giving it to the networks for them to own.

[DJ Envy]

The series premiere of Fightland drops July 31st only on Starz, with new episodes streaming weekly on Fridays.

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[DJ Envy]

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[Lauren LaRosa]

C-A-B-E-N-U V A.com now here's what I have to say about that Black people. Us. My people. I understand, you know, when it comes to things like dress codes and, you know, all of that, I think that there are certain things done in certain places to keep certain people out. There are certain things that are put on, you know, these the marginalized groups that ESSENCE is speaking about because they want to remind us of what we don't have or, you know, the difference or just that there is a way to be viewed different because of how we dress, right? Like all of this stuff is like silently reminding us of things that they want us to look as different to a point where we can't operate in the same spaces. Which is completely not true. But I think whether you're black, white or brown or green, it's just certain ways you should not come out of the house. Pajamas, head scarves, bonnets. It's just, it's just a no. Like, I don't think that this is one of them things that we make all about race, especially not coming from our people. It would be, I mean, and even I was gonna say it would be completely different if this was a white school telling students that and specifically singling out black students, I would understand that. But even then I would say you ain't supposed to be outside in that stuff anyway. Now I want to read to you guys some of the responses to this from Essences Breakdown, Dragonfly Jones on I believe this is Twitter says, I promise you, when it, when it was class presentation day or job fair, everybody on campus, everybody on my HBCU was showing up dressed and extremely professional. These kids know when it's time to get starched. Increase who gives a F if they're wearing pajama pants to a Tuesday class at 8am and even that. Let me talk to y'. All. For those who have not ever experienced an early class on the campus, right? Or did, like, I get it. Especially if you out the night before. Are you up studying, doing homework or anything the night before? Because again, you're learning discipline. A lot of times you are rushing to get the class, but you throw on a hoodie, you throwing tight. You throwing a pair of jeans, a T shirt sneaks like pajamas just was never, like, I. I don't. I don't know anybody who just would want to be outside in the public in their pajamas. Unless your pajamas are giving, like, a look where, like, you know, they got. They do have leisure athletic wear. Like, it looks like pajamas, but, like, it's. It's a vibe. Shout out to the Plastics, nyc. They have a whole, you know, sets that, you know, like, I get that. If it's fashion, that's one thing. Why do you want to be outside in your pajamas anyway? My issue with us having pushback against certain things that. And making it about race is that regardless of your race, I think certain things should just be bare minimum for the like, for people. Like, if, regardless of how much fun you're having at college, how comfortable you are there, how much it feels like home. College is a place of business. Your HBCU is a place of business. You never know who you're walking into on campus. Literally, from alumni on campus. Especially, like, you go to certain schools. Schools you can walk out and meet a executive from a corporation or whoever that could change your life. No. And that's how the world is. Like, you walk out into the world never knowing who you're going to meet. How you prepare yourself is how you are received. And I understand the respectability politics. And I understand, like, even proximity. Like, I feel like, you know, people talk about HBCUs. A lot of times people will tell students not to go to HBCUs, because when you go to colleges, they're like, you should basically put yourself in proximity of things that are looked at as, like, these great big things. And people don't equate HBCUs and our alumni to that, which is effed up, because we are that. But when you're talking about going to college, most people are sending their kids to college, you know, not because they really think college are going to get them the jobs, but it's like, it's about the relationships that you meet, the people you meet, the people you're in proximity of. Right. I understand all of that, but my point in all of this is none of that matters if you're okay as a student or as a parent that is upset that this was sent to your student. If your kid is out there in Elmo pajamas in the proximity. Like, I just don't understand why we have such an issue with, like, us setting a certain point of excellence for ourselves. Like, I really don't get it. College is not just about getting up and going to class and getting your degree. It is. It's really not. You get the most experience, and you make the most out of your relationships. Literally in between all of that, if I'm being honest. And who's to say, like, I could meet someone in my pajamas and they think that I'm the smartest, greatest person and want to help me. Who should say that? That's not somebody's life, right? But let's think about, like, what we're training ourselves to do. Be and think, and why. There is nothing racially insulting about saying, take that bonnet off your head. Take that scarf off your head. I didn't wake up with you, period. It's the same thing when your girl. When you walk in a room and you don't speak to somebody, instantly, I'd be like, oh, that person wasn't like, you know how that person was raised? Because my grandma be like, I didn't wake up with you last night. Good morning. Hello. The presentation matters, y'. All. And if I'm being honest with y', all, I know that we love to push back about the rights and the. And, you know, the spaces and all the things that we should have as black people. But let's be honest about the fact that, like, we don't. We. We don't walk through the world the same way that other people do. We just don't. And it is an amazing thing. It is an asset. Is it? It is a strength that can be used 100%, but it is also the reality that can be used against you at the same damn time. I just want us to be really aware of this because I'm seeing all of the discourse around it, and I'm like, why is this an argument? Y' all let me know if I'm tripping, though, okay? You guys, let me know if I'm tripping. I want to hear from y'. All. Get in the streets. Get in the tweets. I want to hear from you guys. I want to know what's going on. Because I. I mean, yeah, I saw people online, like, if wearing about, oh, this girl's name is Jay. So famous. She's in like essence posted her as a part of their thread too. She said it's where if wearing a bonnet is the difference between you coming and not coming to class, wear the bonnet, wear the PJs, wear the crop top. I'm not about to create another barrier that will remove you from learning. Come get this lesson. We'll discuss how you should present to the outside world afterwards. Now, even that I don't agree with. Now, it's different if certain things are all you have. Like, I understand that completely because some people are at these HBCUs busing their behind to even afford to be able to wake up and get out of bed and afford to walk down the campus, that's one thing. But if you are making a choice to show up and your presentation is not what it could potentially be, I don't agree. I don't. No one's asking you to come with a four piece suit on, button down and, and you know what I mean? Cuban links to every single class. They're just saying, yo, put on the jeans and a T shirt, please. Take your scarf off, take your durag off. I don't see nothing wrong with it. And this has been a thing at HBCUs, y'.

[50 Cent]

All.

[Lauren LaRosa]

This, this is not new. This has excellence in preparing you for the outside world is literally the. That is the MO of an hbcu and not just from a. I know how to turn a book, answer a question and hand in an assignment perspective. Some of the best people I know when it comes to being able to talk their way through anything, show up and really utilize their presence to get them through the world when talent education may not do it, are HBCU graduates. And you know why? Because shout out to Delaware State University. We were literally put together, we were molded together those four years.

[DJ Envy]

Shoot.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Some of y' all was like 10, 12 super seniors to, to leave our mark on the world and to, and, and to have the presence that we have. Like, it's not. Listen, it's, it's, it's not on you, it's in you. And I understand that. But let's be very honest about how the world views us as a marginalized community. The people that are going to these HBCUs, regardless of what type of money you come from education, you come from neighborhood, you come black people. We, we're looked at as black people, period. That's why when everybody be trying to be like, yeah, people of color, like, okay, everybody has their things. I hope everybody gets through them. But black people, the world is A little bit different for us. And I don't agree that you should do things that I. I don't even like to say do things that make it harder for you. Because we don't pick and choose the systems that we're in and how they're designed and, you know, all those things. But at the same time, I would never tell somebody to powder bricks on. No, ain't nothing wrong with you taking that scarf off for a dang 30. And that's another thing. The classes be like 30 minutes sometimes. Y'.

[Sprite Living Tracklist Narrator]

All.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Come on. You could throw a hoodie on maybe. I don't know, y'. All. Maybe I'm. I'm. I'm conforming to the respectability policies. I want to. I really want to have this conversation. Maybe we'll bring some HBCU grads and current HBCU students on the podcast because I really want to have this conversation. I really want to understand why anyone in their right mind would even think that this is something to push back on. Put them parents, have the conversation with your children. Showing up in the world the right way is important, especially for young black kids. Okay? It can literally, literally. And this is not a choice. And it's sad that it has to be like this, but this is what it is. It can literally be life or death for your children. We need to be honest with them about that. I'm Laura Rosa. This has been another episode of the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. I tell you guys, every single episode, y' all could be anywhere with any old body talking about all of the things, but y' all choose to be right here with me, my low riders. And speaking of HBCUs, Delaware State University, my HBCU just announced our second head to head game with Norfolk State University. So DeSean Jackson, who is the football coach at Delaware State, will be facing off again against Mike Vick. Hopefully we're going to take the goal home this time at the link at the Lincoln Financial Field where the Eagles play in Philadelphia on October 30th. First, that'll be going down. So y' all know I'm gonna be. I just had to plug that since. Since we doing all this HBCU talk. Okay, shout out to my HBCU guys. I really want to hear from y'. All. I know y' all are vocal, so I know I will get in the streets in the tweets. Lauren LaRosa. I'll catch you on my next episode. Skincare means sephora Makeup same. They've got the products, expertise and the brands that fit your lifestyle. But when I talk about hair care, do you make the same connection? Well, you should. Sephora is just as trusted for hair. Whether you're looking to repair, strengthen, hydrate or add shine, you'll find brands like Kerastas, K18 and Gisu, plus the guidance that helped you choose what's right for your hair. And with free shipping and same day delivery, great hair care is easier than ever. Shop hair at Sephora today.

[Nissan Advertiser]

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[Lauren LaRosa]

leave y' all with a question. What's a hip hop lyric that changed the way you saw music? Because that's really what the Sprite Living Tracklist is all about. It's not about crowning winners, it's starting conversations. 50 tracks, generations of artists, endless debates. And Sprite didn't just put lyrics on a can. Nah, they went deeper, bringing together hip hop experts and tastemakers to help unpack the stories and the impact behind every track. Check out the full Sprite Living track list and break down the stories behind your favorite bars@living tracklist.gienius.com this is the Sprite Living Track List. Obey your thirst.

[Target Advertiser]

Back to School is here and Target has everything families need to help head into the school year feeling confident and ready to do their thing. From school supplies and stylish apparel to accessories kids actually want, Target makes it easy to check every box on your list at a great value. We're talking backpacks starting at just $5 and up to 60% off school supplies. Plus, kids can express their style with brands and collabs they love like Love Shack, Fancy Cat and Jack Overtime and custom customizable Owalla bottles with stickers, charms and much more. The prices parents want and the brands kids love all in one place at Target.

[Lauren LaRosa]

This is an Iheart podcast. Guaranteed human.