By: Aishah Jimenez
Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Manila’s Department of Student Affairs (DSA) released a memorandum explaining the proper attire, haircut, and hair color for collegiate students.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Manila’s Department of Student Affairs (DSA) released a memorandum explaining the proper attire, haircut, and hair color for collegiate students during school days on Wednesday, September 11.
Attire, Haircut, and Hair Color
On regular class days, students must wear their prescribed uniforms, as monitored at the entrance gate. On non-class days, while uniforms are not required, students must follow the dress code.
According to MEMO-DSA-2425-04, female students are prohibited from wearing revealing clothing such as sleeveless, backless, or see-through outfits, along with leggings, mini-skirts, and open sandals.
Maxi skirts are now banned.
Both male and female students cannot wear tattered pants, inappropriate prints, or earrings (for men), while multiple earrings are restricted for women.
On Wednesdays, students may wear the Quadricentennial or Blue shirt with the prescribed pants, or their usual uniform if they don't have these shirts.
Saturdays are designated as wash days, allowing students to wear civilian attire or their Quadricentennial or Blue shirt.
Relatively, when it comes to haircuts, the Colegio does not permit long hair for male students, whereas as regards hair color, students are limited from having a black, or at most, medium to dark brown hair color.
Perception and Concerns of the Studentry
Leon Victor Velasquez, a 4th-year Journalism student, acknowledged the need for proper compliance with dress and hair color standards in a Catholic institution. However, she expressed concern that haircut regulations limit personal self-expression. She also pointed out that without a formal briefing to students about the implementation date of these policies, many were unprepared, leading to ID confiscations and warning slips being issued.
Calvin Kiefher Manalili, a 4th-year Communication Arts student, noted that while he hasn't been reprimanded by guards on wash days, he believes that students should generally follow established standards. However, if those standards are subjectively imposed, students should have the freedom to express themselves.
Christine Joyce Dagang, a 3rd-year Marketing Management student, shared that she saw a classmate being warned for wearing a maxi skirt before the memorandum took effect. She argued that maxi skirts should be allowed, as they are presentable and not inappropriate.
The LSC’s Response
Letran Student Council President Kodi Nicole Cabacang affirmed that their office has received relative concerns and complaints not only after the memorandum was released but even prior to its disclosure.
In response, the STRAW (Students' Rights and Welfare) Committee conducted a survey to gather student feedback. Cabacang mentioned that despite proposing leniency for students with long hair, particularly LGBTQIA+ members, the DSA's Officer-in-Charge did not approve the request.
The council plans to hold a follow-up dialogue with the rector to address this and other student concerns. The STRAW Committee is also drafting proposals and planning initiatives to support students, which will be discussed during their "Tindig 2.0: Amplifying Student Voices" event.
Cabacang urged Recognized Student Organizations (RSO) and Cultural and Performing Arts Groups (CPAG) to actively participate and stay informed about these efforts.