英国某大学新近颁布了一套教师着装规范，要求教师们上班穿正装，破旧的衣裤、牛仔裤、以及夸张的首饰和发型等均被严格禁止。这所学校在规范中表示，大学是一个专业的事务机构，学校职工有责任通过他们的着装和仪表来传承和宣扬这一机构所代表的专业价值。传统印象中大学教师多是身穿条绒皮护肘上衣、满身粉笔灰的形象，而这一着装规范则与之大相径庭。当地的大学联合会对此规范表示反对，称这一举动带有歧视色彩和主观意味，违背了社会多样化和多种文化差异并存的理念。

One English college is threatening to send lecturers home for violating a dress code, which includes a ban on jeans.

It is normally students who are sent home for inappropriate attire, but one English college is threatening to send lecturers home for violating a dress code, which includes a ban on jeans.

Their union has accused Birmingham Metropolitan College of "acting like the fashion police."

The newly re-issued dress code requires lecturers to wear a "business suit; smart jacket and co-ordinating trousers or skirt; smart shirt/top/blouse or smart dress."

Scruffy trousers, jeans, ostentatious jewelry and outrageous hair styles and colors are strictly banned.

Earrings must not be excessive and are the only form of jewelry allowed in visible piercings. The policy also states that tattoos must be covered.

Nick Varney of the local University and College Union (UCU) branch said the policy "harks back to Victorian times." He told Reuters he has never seen staff so angry.

"They are absolutely fuming. It's about their professionalism and the notion that they haven't got a clue about what to wear when they are teaching," Varney said.

The guidelines are afar cry from the stereotypical image of a college lecturer as a slightly scruffy, chalk-dusted individual wearing corduroy jackets with torn leather elbow pads.

In the policy, the college says: "The College is a professional and business-like organization and staff have a responsibility to uphold and promote these values in their dress and appearance."

The UCU accused the dress code of being possibly discriminatory and subjective.

"Has diversity and the celebration of cultural differences totally passed them by?" asked Varney.

Lecturers are due to meet with the college principal this week. The UCU is demanding the policy be withdrawn.

Vocabulary:

far cry: 相差甚远