by Dr Rahim Said
In a world where universities are supposed to be havens for free expression and open inquiry, it’s rather baffling to witness a foreign student from China facing the threat of expulsion from a local university simply because he wore a pair of shorts to the library. Yes, shorts. Not a statement T-shirt, not political graffiti —just a pair of shorts.
This incident, reported by one of the student bodies in the university, raises critical questions about the priorities and cultural flexibility of the institution.
Universities, ideally, should reflect the diversity of their students and prepare them for a globalised world, not punish them for benign wardrobe choices. It’s particularly absurd when rules are enforced in such a militaristic manner, as if the campus were a boot camp instead of a space for academic growth.
Surely, an institution that prides itself on multicultural values should be more understanding of cultural differences, including attire norms that might vary internationally.
Moreover, the way this student was treated speaks volumes. He was allegedly shouted at by security, filmed, and had his identification card confiscated — all over a minor dress code violation.
Despite attempting to comply by covering his legs, the student still faced unnecessary aggression. It’s worth questioning whether a simple infraction requires such hostility, especially in a university environment.
The aggressive response shows a tendency to overreach, with staff using a minor dress code as an excuse for heavy-handed treatment, which seems to be more about asserting control than upholding any reasonable standard of decorum.
The student body, to its credit, has been outspoken about the incident, pointing out that the real issue here is the authoritarian enforcement of a rule rather than the student’s choice of attire. Its call to abolish the dress code highlights a valid concern: the erosion of multiculturalism at a place meant to embrace and celebrate diversity.
If universities don’t adapt and respect cultural differences, they risk alienating the very students they claim to welcome.
A dress code rooted in tradition may have its place, but rules should be relevant to the times and enforced with respect. Universities are not military camps. Students are young adults, capable of making sensible decisions about their appearance.
If we start policing clothes to this extent, it raises questions about what message we’re sending: conformity over creativity, suppression over freedom.
The university concerned should reevaluate its priorities. It should aim to foster an environment where students feel respected, not policed. It’s high time we embrace a more reasonable and respectful approach to attire on campus — one that aligns with an educational institution in the 21st century.
Dr Rahim Said is a human behaviourist and regular contributor to digital media platforms. He is a professional management consultant, a corporate trainer and an executive coach specialising in coaching senior executives and individual entrepreneurs to modify their behaviour and pursue their cherished missions. The views expressed by our columnist are entirely his own.