A group of teenagers were not allowed onto the House Chamber floor during today’s session because they were dressed inappropriately, in jeans with holes and low cut tank tops. But that’s nothing unusual, said Sergeant-at-Arms Jerry Moszer, who is now serving in his 11th Session.
“I don’t bother to count them,” said Moszer. “If they aren’t dressed appropriately, then they don’t get in.”
According to Moszer today’s encounter was nothing unusual. He said that unfortunately, he has to turn people away on most days. If they are not dressed appropriately, they may not be seated on the floor, but instead will be directed up to the balcony seating to observe.
“It’s a matter of showing proper respect. This is the people’s house, but you still need to show respect when you are in it,” Moszer continued. The desk clerks all agreed, lamenting the lack of proper attire, particularly among students.
What exactly is “proper attire”? According to Moszer: no ripped jeans, no shorty shorts, no cutoff shorts or tee shirts, no shirts with inappropriate sayings, no tight tank tops, no spikes and definitely no hats for men.
The Sergeant admitted that he sometimes “let the older military men slip by with their hats on,” but it was obvious that he did so more out of respect for their service than anything else.
NDSU Bison and UND Fighting Sioux attire are acceptable for the chamber.
Moszer said he has been around for too long to put up with anyone breaking the rules, as anyone who has ever dared put a hand on the brass railings will attest. “This is a serious place where important work gets done, and people should demonstrate respect when they are here.”
[Editor’s note: This article has been amended to reflect the redirection of observers from the floor to the balcony for seating. The original article erroneously implied that observers were not allowed to enter the chambers at all on either level.]
