2008 Woodie Awards
Dress guideline comes without enforcement
By Regis L. Roberts
Issue date: 6/30/08 Section: News
Originally published: 7/11/08 at 4:49 PM CSTLast update: 9/4/08 at 2:05 PM CST
Counselor Steve Samet has a relaxed attitude when he interacts with students.
So the district's dress guide for summer does not sit well with him.
His dress is casual - his regular outfit consists of T-shirts, jeans and sneakers, and his office is intentionally laid back, he said - instead of displaying his accolades, he has bumper stickers and a plethora of Kinky Friedman memorabilia.
He doesn't want students to feel like they are going to see the doctor or being interviewed for a job when they come to see him, he said.
According to an e-mail sent May 28, some things that Samet wears all the time would not be acceptable at all, while other things - jeans and sneakers - would only be acceptable on Fridays.
David L. Winney, associate vice chancellor of employee services, said too much has been read into the e-mail because it does not contain policy but is instead a guide to appropriate dress.
Devising a dress policy was not even in consideration when this guide was developed, Winney said, and that it would be up to individual colleges and departments to set up policy or enforcement.
If a college wanted to set up an official policy with enforcement, college officials could forward the policy to district to make sure the policy treats men and women equally, he said.
Samet made a point of indicating the word "guidance" in the subject line of the e-mail.
He was concerned that there would be a burden on him because he does not own many of the things outlined in the e-mail. For men this includes business casual slacks, short-sleeve polo shirts, business long-sleeve shirts, business casual shirts with collar and sports coats.
For women: "appropriate" summer dresses, summer skirts of appropriate length, sleeveless blouses, light business jackets, mid-calf capris, and open-toed shoes or dress sandals. Sneakers and jeans are only deemed acceptable Friday and jeans should be worn with a belt.
Clothes listed as not acceptable include spaghetti straps, skorts, tank tops, tube and halter tops, T-shirts, collarless shirts, Crocs, beach sandals, flip flops and shorts.
So the district's dress guide for summer does not sit well with him.
His dress is casual - his regular outfit consists of T-shirts, jeans and sneakers, and his office is intentionally laid back, he said - instead of displaying his accolades, he has bumper stickers and a plethora of Kinky Friedman memorabilia.
He doesn't want students to feel like they are going to see the doctor or being interviewed for a job when they come to see him, he said.
According to an e-mail sent May 28, some things that Samet wears all the time would not be acceptable at all, while other things - jeans and sneakers - would only be acceptable on Fridays.
David L. Winney, associate vice chancellor of employee services, said too much has been read into the e-mail because it does not contain policy but is instead a guide to appropriate dress.
Devising a dress policy was not even in consideration when this guide was developed, Winney said, and that it would be up to individual colleges and departments to set up policy or enforcement.
If a college wanted to set up an official policy with enforcement, college officials could forward the policy to district to make sure the policy treats men and women equally, he said.
Samet made a point of indicating the word "guidance" in the subject line of the e-mail.
He was concerned that there would be a burden on him because he does not own many of the things outlined in the e-mail. For men this includes business casual slacks, short-sleeve polo shirts, business long-sleeve shirts, business casual shirts with collar and sports coats.
For women: "appropriate" summer dresses, summer skirts of appropriate length, sleeveless blouses, light business jackets, mid-calf capris, and open-toed shoes or dress sandals. Sneakers and jeans are only deemed acceptable Friday and jeans should be worn with a belt.
Clothes listed as not acceptable include spaghetti straps, skorts, tank tops, tube and halter tops, T-shirts, collarless shirts, Crocs, beach sandals, flip flops and shorts.
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jim boyle
posted 7/13/08 @ 9:59 PM CST
The District, especially SAC, has many more important issues to tackle that certainly warrant more attention. I am well aware of Mr. Samet's hard work on behalf of disabled students at SAC, and concern over what he wears is ridiculous! He is a true professional who has always treated me with respect. (Continued…)
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