2 • BENNETT BANNER • NOVEMBER 15, 1996
• OPINION • OPINION ‘ OPINION • OPINION • OPINION •
Paquita
Herring
Hairstyle bans
are discriminatory
What would you do if the Bennett College
administration instituted a rule that students
are not permitted to wear their hair parted on
the left side, in braids, comrows, or frenchroll?
According to a recent article published in the
News & Record, students attending a junior high school in south
suburban Chicago have been told what hairstyles are acceptable for
school. And one student, an African-American female was given
the choice of going home or sitting in the library alone all day
because her frenchroll was parted on the right. Officials told her
that she looked like a gang member. Braids, beads, comrows, hair
coloring, dreadlocks, and ponytails for boys have also been banned
for the same reason.
This ban does not make sense. We have a constitutional right to
bear arms, but some are not permitted to wear braids.
A hairstyle says a lot about a person’s heritage. Braids and
comrows are apart of the history of African-American people.
Comrows and braids were worn by Egyptians many years ago and
dreadlocks are a part of the Rastafarian religious beliefs. Many
native American men still wear ponytails, and let's not forget about
of the founders of these United States (including George
Washington, Thomas Jefferson...).
Some people wear a hairstyle because it fits the texture of their
hair More often than not some choose a styles as a time saving
measure; braided hair can last weeks or months. There are
different reasons for the various styles worn today. Gang
membership may be one for a small select group, but it is not the
sole influence for the majority.
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THK PEIVXETT BA^TjR
The Newspaper produced by the
Phenomenal Women of Bennett College
EDITORIAL STAFF
Paquita Herring—EDITOR
Keita White FEATURES EDITOR
REPORTERS
Tamu Johnson HERSTORY
Kisha Dodson SPORTS
Donna Satterfield GENERAL ASSIGNMENT
Jobina Brown SPORTS
PHOTOGRAPHER
Camisha Gentry PHOTOGRAPHER
Some photographs are courtesy of Gene Keenum in the
Admissions Office and the Public Affairs and l\/larketing
Office.
FACULTY ADVISOR
Dr. Lona D. Cobb
The Bennett Banner is a laboratory newspaper published twice a
month during the academic year, except during months with
College recognized holidays or College vacations. The
newspaper is produced by and for students attending Bennett
College. The newspaper office is located in Shell Hall C-2.
What are you thankful for?
The Thanksgiving Day holiday will soon be upon us. Some Belles share their thoughts of
giving thanks. Photo by Camisha Gentry
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A’SHAUNA TYLER
JUNIOR
MAJOR: MASS COMM
HOMESTATE:FLORIDA
I have so much to be thankful
for. 1 did not expect ot attend
school this semester. I had
financial problems and
almost gave up on Bennett. I
really did not know how
much students and teachers
in my department cared
about me. I am especially
blessed to have a friend like
Bianca Williams, who called
me and asked me to see if
something could be worked
out. Dr. Brogdon-Wyatt and
Mrs. Carrino [in the Mass
Communications, Speech and
Theatre Department] also
cared enough to pull strings
to get me back in school. If it
were not for these
individuals, I do riot think
that I would have come back.
I thank God every night and
day for allowing me the
opportunity to continue my
education.
MARYAM HAKEEM
SOPHOMORE
MAJOR: BIOLOGY
HOME STATE: NEW YORK
First I am thankful for life.
I mean this is not only in the
sense of being physically
alive. In other words, the
exception of not being
amongst the mentally dead
and knowing myself and my
place in this universe. I will
never be categorized as the
mentally dead. I am also
thankful for my loving family
members. My opportunity to
attend college at the age of
15 and to carry through with
big plans is a blessing in
itself. I am thankful that I
am myself and that I can
help and encourage others to
be themselves. 1 am also
thankful for my reward
which is positive growth and
development in all aspects of
my life.
JESSICA COVINGTON
FRESHWOMAN
MAJOR: NURSING
HOME STATE: MICHIGAN
I am thankful that on this
28th day of November, 20
years ago my mother gave
birth to me. I am also
thanlrful that 1 am allowed
the chance to get an
education from an higher
learning institution. My
thankfulness includes not
being pregnant, dead, or on
welfare. I am thankful for
all my true Bennett sisters .
who are always there when
I need them and my family
who keeps encouraging me
when I feel discouraged. I
am thankful that 1 can go
into a store and buy what /
want without
[experiencing] prejudice,
discrimination or bigotry.
JJie Oiennett 3iannm
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College GmcndSoxc., JV,C
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