As a member of the HBCU community, witnessing Tuskegee University's recent decision to ban bonnets, durags, and bedroom shoes in class has sparked significant conversation and reflection among students and alumni. Many see these items not just as fashion choices, but as essential expressions of cultural identity and personal comfort, especially in predominantly Black spaces where such attire carries powerful social and historical meanings. From my experience attending an HBCU, dress codes are always a sensitive topic because they can sometimes feel like they disproportionately affect Black students who use these styles as a form of self-expression and cultural pride. Durags, for example, have roots in Black hair care and protection, and bonnets play a similar role. Bedroom shoes often represent comfort in long days of classes. To suddenly ban these items feels like a challenge to the community’s autonomy and cultural practices. However, some argue that dress codes promote professionalism and a focused academic environment. It’s important to balance respectability with authenticity. The university’s policy shift reminds me of the ongoing dialogue around respectability politics—that is, how marginalized groups navigate societal norms to gain acceptance, often at the expense of personal or cultural expression. Engaging in conversations on platforms like #blacktiktok and among fellow #blackwomen students reveals a rich diversity of opinions. Some support the dress code for its intent to maintain decorum, while others feel it inadvertently polices Black identity and expression. This debate highlights the complexity of cultural norms within educational institutions, especially HBCUs like Tuskegee University. Overall, this dress code change is more than just a policy update; it’s a reflection of ongoing struggles around cultural respect, identity, and the politics of appearance in academic spaces. As more students voice their views, it will be interesting to see how the university community continues to navigate these important issues together.