RodeoHouston updates dress code after uptick in code of conduct inquiries

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Rodeo Houston is asking you to take a second look in the mirror before attending, as they release updates to their dress code. This comes after an onslaught of social media posts about what some people are choosing to wear to the event.

Between the boots, hats, and denim. If you're attending Rodeo Houston, the fashion is one of the first things you'll notice inside the gates.

"Western wear is rooted in tradition and function, so a lot of the things we see now are an evolution from that function over time," Dr. TeKedra Pierre with Prairie View A&M said.

Dr. Pierre specializes in Western culture. She said she has seen firsthand the blending of traditional Western pieces and the more urban take Houstonians bring to the table.

As fashion has evolved, some attendees said it's been for the worse.

"I mean, if you really want to keep it family-friendly, I would suggest coming in earlier, before 4ish. Between 10 and 4 to experience it appropriately," rodeo attendee Sarahi Perales said.

Rodeo CEO and President Chris Boleman said after a spike in feedback on clothing choices, they decided to listen and update their dress code.

"I think it's about making sure your skin is covered to a great extent, making sure what you put on, as you think about a 9 or 8-year-old looking at you, would it be appropriate, would they be asking questions?" Boleman said.

New Rodeo guidelines say they can deny admission or remove people wearing clothing with obscene images or language, excessively torn clothes, visible undergarments, or clothing that exposes portions of skin that may be considered inappropriate for a family environment.

In a statement, RodeoHouston stated:

"This is a family-friendly event, and we want every guest, especially young people, to have a safe and memorable experience."

Boleman said what is and isn't appropriate is 'subjective'.

Miana Graves with Texas Southern University said subjective rules can create problems when it comes to enforcing rules equitably.

"If we are just going off of eye sight, how do we say what is too short, how do we say what is too revealing? If someone has a mesh top on, do we say that is too revealing, or where do we draw the line?" Graves said.

Graves says more clearly defined rules of what is and isn't ok could help make sure everyone is being treated fairly.

Boleman said they aren't looking to single anyone out and trust the people enforcing the code of conduct.

"We feel very confident in the security that we have on site, with different levels of security around the grounds to address it, just like we would address anything that happens here every single day or night," Boleman said.

Visitors can review the full Guest Code of Conduct online at RODEOHOUSTON.com, according to a release from HLSR.

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