Shorts in short

I knew something was about to happen. I knew some rumblings had been going on around campus. I had heard whispers in dark circles that former Student Association President Hallie Hite was working tirelessly and furiously for a change to take place. So, when I got that email, I had a hunch, a hunch I almost ignored.
When I got that email, I looked at my phone, read the handbook changes and said “not a chance.” I decided to read the email fully, and, to my surprise, two rules were changed: the first about hats that was never enforced upon me, and another about shorts.
I was with a group of friends at the time, some of who are now Harding students, and I said to them, “Listen, you guys can wear shorts now.” To my surprise it was met with no jubilee. No trumpet sounded, and I was not lauded as a prophet of good tidings rather one that could be ignored.
I thought to myself, “Is this really a big deal?” I called my roommate. As juniors, we could attest to the heatstroke we’ve almost gotten from walking to the Parking and Transportation Office from Keller in August. Surely he would share in my excitement. So I called Daniel and told him. He said, “Yeah, I knew it was going to happen. I guess it is kind of a big deal. Yeah, it is a big deal.” Feeling slightly validated, I left it alone.
However, I still wonder — is this a big deal? On the surface — yes, it is. Changing a rule that has been so ingrained in Harding culture is objectively a big deal. No longer will I have to explain to people that I go to school in Arkansas and must wear jeans to class. No longer will I look at the terror in their eye. Optimistically you can see that this is a big deal. Harding may not seem like the place to loosen up rules. To me, it seems more likely to tighten down rules. We saw that last year with the club week changes and the removal of visitation. Removing the pants rule could indicate that Harding is listening to the ebb and flow of the student and culture. That is a good thing.
I am left wondering, however, if this change was a placation to the psyche of the students. I do not recall one conversation I had with fellow students about changing dress code, but I can remember many conversations I have had about women’s roles and other spiritual aspects at Harding.
In short, shorts are good. I was really hoping that email would have gone differently.