Get cut on campus

Shamil Diaz gets his hair cut at the on campus event. Photos by Magnolia McComish

A photo story by Magnolia McComish.

Sam Kamara III and Chazz Bryant get their hair cuts.

The Franklin Pierce University dance studio buzzes with student chatter and electric hair clippers. Prestige Hair Studio and Barber Shop of Gardner, MA was on campus giving free haircuts to students of color.

This event was sponsored by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council. Chief Diversity Officer Pierre Morton saw the need for this event when student Nick Oliveira-Chace asked if there was anywhere nearby to get his hair cut. Morton decided to bring haircuts to the students of color on campus with an exclusive event.

Tyquon Stokes and Trey Sejour wait for their haircuts.

Two barbers worked for over two hours to provide fifteen haircuts. Each hair cut took 35 to 45 minutes. Students talked among each other while they waited.

Most of the students were informed about the event through assistant football coach TJ Denson, others heard from friends.

Chief Diversity Officer Pierre Morton shakes a student's hand after their haircut.

A typical Prestige haircut and beard trim cost around $40. This event was funded by Morton. He mentioned future plans to sell specific hair products and tools in the campus book store as a convince to students of color on campus. He explained that in many cases it is impossible to find the desired products in Rindge.

There were not many women who attended the event, but Morton said he has plans to expand the program to include more services.

Students who did get their hair cut left the event excited to show off their fresh look. The DEIC plans to put on more events targeted to hear and accommodate the needs of minority students at FPU.