'Unacceptable behaviour' – UPSA condemns staff after dress code enforcement turns physical
The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has publicly denounced the actions of a staff member captured in a viral video clashing with a Level 100 female student over dress code enforcement.
The incident, which sparked widespread outrage on social media, prompted an immediate investigation by university management, who labelled the staff’s behaviour as "unacceptable" and reaffirmed their commitment to student dignity.
In a press release issued on Thursday, UPSA stated, "As a professional university whose core values are integrity, respect, and service, UPSA holds the dignity and well-being of every student as paramount and reaffirms that no staff member has the right to mistreat any student under any circumstances."
UPSA enforces 'decent' dress code on campus, unkempt hair, shorts, anklets, nose rings etc not permitted for lectures https://t.co/YIO4ZQM1xv pic.twitter.com/Vtt5lka650
— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) July 2, 2025
The Vice-Chancellor personally apologised to the affected student, while the implicated staff member submitted a written apology. The student also expressed regret for her conduct in a letter to management.
The altercation occurred just days after UPSA intensified dress code enforcement to curb "indecent dressing" on campus. A memo from the Office of the Dean of Students, dated 30 June 2025, warned that a task force would bar students wearing shorts, slippers, tracksuits, or visible piercings from lecture halls starting 1 July.
However, some students accused the task force of unfairly targeting Level 100 students, alleging that senior peers were exempted.
UPSA acknowledged the backlash, announcing a review of enforcement protocols and additional training for compliance teams to align with "integrity, respect, and service."
The university defended its dress code as a non-negotiable policy designed to instil corporate professionalism, citing its alumni’s career success as proof of its value.
While pledging to uphold the policy, UPSA assured stakeholders that future enforcement would prioritise civility.
"The incident has been addressed holistically," the statement concluded, emphasising its dedication to a "safe, respectful, and professional" environment.
The video continues to fuel debate online, with critics questioning the enforcement methods and supporters backing the university’s stance on discipline.
