Brown University found itself in the middle of a controversy when two female students accused that the school policy is sexist. The accusation came after the students were asked to leave the Nelson Fitness Center for not complying with the gym's dress code.
Two Rhode Island School of Design students experienced the same situation of being barred from using the fitness center facilities on two separate occasions for not donning the proper attire.
The two students - Elizabeth Dimitroff and Chloe Karayiannis - were told to cover themselves up because they were exposing their midriffs. The students were wearing a sports bra and high-waisted leggings. It's not that their outfit was improper but the rule was to maintain proper hygiene.
Jason Bishoff, the manager of the Nelson Fitness Center, said that the proper outfit should be to reduce body contact with the workout equipment as much as possible. He also added that the rules were in place ever since the facility opened.
Checking the Nelson Fitness Center's official website, the rule on clothing states that the chest and back should be fully covered. However, Dimitroff and Karayiannis are not backing down questioning the policy why it's wrong to work out in a sports bra when advertisements show they're okay.
Dimitroff added that women should not pay the price because men can't control themselves when looking at women's bodies. However, the fitness center's officials refuted that accusation and suggested that there should have more conversations with their staff whether there are more reasons for the rules other than encouraging proper hygiene.
Brown University students were asked regarding the issue and they were also divided about it. Some sided with the girls saying they cannot see the logic because sweaty thighs are the same as sweaty midriffs.
On the other hand, some students agree with the policy as long as it applies to both men and women. Bishoff answered that saying there's no gender bias about the policy.
