School Dress Codes Homophobic?

School dress codes are nothing new. But some codes are causing controversy for being homophobic.

Recently Morehouse College, an all-male black private university in Atlanta, released its "Appropriate Attire Policy" that banned do-rags, caps, hoods and sunglasses in class and "decorative orthodontic appliances." But it also specified the following -- "No wearing of clothing associated with women's garb (dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, etc.) on the Morehouse campus or at college-sponsored events."

"The image of a strong black man needs to be upheld," Cameron Thomas-Shah, student government co-chief of staff, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution . "And if anyone sees this policy as something that is restrictive then maybe Morehouse is not the place for you."

But others said the new policy discriminates against gays. "It is all an issue of perception and what manner of image you want to prescribe to," said Daniel Edwards, co-president of the campus gay straight alliance.

Jessica Madison on Twirlit.com acknowledges that the school is trying to protect its reputation and legacy. But she said doing so only makes them more narrow-minded. "It doesn't look good for the school of Martin Luther King Jr. to be closing its doors to men trying to live their own dream as black and successful homosexual men, who just so happen like to sport a purse as well. While the school certainly does have a rich history of producing great leaders, it would be all too unfortunate if they end up narrowing their idea of that might look like into such a confined ideal: heterosexual and male."

High schools around the nation have also been struggling with how to handle cross-dressing students.

Ceara Sturgis, 17, recently made headlines for wearing a tuxedo to her senior portrait session at Wesson Attendance Center in Mississippi. In August, Ceara's mother, Veronica Rodriguez, received a letter from school officials that said only boys could wear tuxedos and that her photo wouldn't be included in the yearbook.

"The yearbook is not for the parents or the teachers. It's for the students," Rodriguez told USA Today . "She's not a troublemaker. She is gay."

But school superintendent Ricky Clopton said the school district's attorney said it was within the school's right to exclude Ceara's photo.

USA Today also reports several other incidents in which students faced consequences for their cross-dressing. In Waldorf, Md., a senior was initially barred from wearing a tuxedo for her yearbook photo as well, but the school eventually overturned the decision after discovering other schools had allowed it. In March an Indiana high school senior was denied a request to wear a tuxedo to her prom . In Dunnelton, Fla., a 16-year-old boy was sent home after showing up to school in makeup, high-heeled boots and a bra. School officials there said that students must dress "in keeping with their gender."

Students around the country are mobilizing and speaking out against the restrictive school policies. In Georgia high school student Jonathan Escobar was recently told that if he continued to cross-dress, he would be sent home. But according to the New York Daily News , a group on Facebook called "Support Jonathan" has garnered more than 1,000 members who are protesting the school's policy.

"If I can't express myself, I won't go to school," Escobar said. "I want to get the message out there that because this is who I am, I can't get an education."