TUP Manila faces online backlash over hair and dress code
The Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) Manila received online backlash after releasing a dress code for students that included bans on long hair for men and cross-dressing.
In a now-deleted Facebook post, the TUP-Manila University Student Government (USG) posted a list of reminders to students on what they cannot wear on campus as per a memorandum from its Office of Student Affairs.
According to the post, students cannot wear shorts, crop top, sleeveless and slippers, male students cannot have long hair, and male and female students cannot sport colored hair. They also are not allowed to cross-dress when entering campus.
However, graduating students are excluded from the indicated policy.
Social media users react
The university drew the ire of social media users, as one Facebook user noted that such rules were not inclusive.
"Huwag na tayong magtaka kung bakit ang hirap at ang tagal makamit ng LGBTQIA+ ang pantay na karapatan sa lipunan, sapagkat ganito ang pinupunla ng mga paaralan at Unibersidad," one Facebook user said.
Another user added that dress codes and hairstyle policies "limit the freedom of expression of the students."
"These rules were imposed to instill the culture of macho-feudal culture and [intensify] the neoliberal role of the universities to create docile laborers who will serve the interests of foreign [investors]," the user wrote.
Others highlighted how "outdated" the implementation of such rules is.
"Marami talagang state universities ang [obsessed] sa dress code, out of touch sa realidad, mas masahol pa sa Catholic institutions ang mga patakaran."
'In the progress of discussing terms'
After deleting the post, the TUP USG Manila said in a statement that they are "discussing terms" with concerned offices.
"While we acknowledge and understand your sentiments, we are with the students. To clarify, the recent announcement was issued solely for information dissemination and should not be construed as an endorsement of the policies in question."
Meanwhile, the university's Students' Rights and Welfare Committee (STRAW) said they met with the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) on Aug. 16 to discuss proposals to ease the current hair and dress policy."
"VPAA suggested that we should include feedback from professors and officials in the TUP Dugong Bughaw Survey. This is to ensure that we get a well-rounded view of opinions on this issue," STRAW said.
"Although the original survey included a diverse group, including non-LGBTQIA+ respondents, we agreed that gathering additional feedback from faculty and staff would be beneficial," it added.
The organization also emphasized "the urgency" of this matter and the need for quick progress."
PhilSTAR L!fe has reached out to TUP Manila for a comment but has yet to receive a reply.