UB officials have implemented a campus dress code as part of the UB 2020 plan. As of yesterday, anyone who wears oversized sunglasses, Spandex leggings as pants, or Ugg boots with sweat pants tucked in will be ticketed.
The decision came after conversations were sparked by a Causes application on Facebook, said Dennis Black, vice president of student affairs.
According to University Police, the fine for a minor infraction of this new code will start at $25. Tickets can be up to $50 depending on the extent of the violations. If anyone wears big sunglasses even though the sun is not shining, Ugg boots when the temperature is above 50 degrees, or two or more items of illegal clothing at one time, their fine will be increased.
The goal of the new dress code is to maintain a professional-looking learning environment to match UB's status as the flagship of the State University of New York system.
"If UB is going to be regarded as a premiere research university in the SUNY system, we can't have students walking around looking ridiculous," Black said.
Many Long Island students feel that this new code discriminates against them. Yesterday, a group of about 100 Islanders, all dressed in the banned clothing items, protested the new rule.
"UB is totally discriminating against us...like, we should be able to wear whatever we want. Plus, these Dior sunglasses and Uggs my daddy bought me were expensive," said Melissa Silverman, a junior communication major.
The protests started as peaceful demonstrations in Founder's Plaza, but escalated as the day went on. At the peak of the riot, Spandex-clad protestors began tipping over the pedestal and urn planters.
Officials said that in addition to looking ridiculous, big sunglasses are a threat to campus security since they tend to cover over half of people's faces.
"Big sunglasses are a security threat because you cannot see people's faces. This basically gives them the same effect as a ski mask that one might wear as they commit a crime or act of terrorism," said UB Chief of Police Gerald Schoenle.
Schoenle explained that since these specific clothing items are so popular, everyone ends up looking alike.
A study by the Student Wellness Team has also shown that women who wear Spandex leggings as pants tend to be victims of sexual harassment more than those who wear actual pants.
"It is probably because the pants are extremely form-fitting and therefore, very revealing," said Sherri Darrow, Ph.D., director of the Student Wellness Center. "This trend is causing girls to draw attention to themselves in negative ways. They can avoid this by wearing a dress or a skirt over the leggings, which is the way leggings are supposed to be worn."
Still, the Long Island girls protested for their right to wear unbecoming clothing if they choose to.
"We are going to fight this until the end," said Nikki Manetti, a sophomore communication major. "After my friends and I get back from the mall tomorrow, we're going to stage another protest."
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