This girl was asked to leave the gym at Brown for wearing a sports bra

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This girl was asked to leave the gym at Brown for wearing a sports bra

A staff member told her it was ‘offensive’

Chloe Karaii was asked to leave Brown’s Nelson Fitness Center during her workout for showing too much skin.

The RISD Senior, studying graphic design, was approached by an employee who told her the outfit she was wearing was too revealing and offensive, asking her to either cover up or leave the gym.

Speaking to The Tab, Chloe said:

“I told her I was wearing a top and she said “thats not enough” and proceeded to explain that my attire showed “midriff” which wasn’t allowed at the gym.

“I explained that this was offensive and this act of shaming contributes to sexist prejudice. She told me that men are also asked to cover up. I told her that regardless it sends out the wrong signal.

“She said others will find it offensive and I would not be allowed to work out without another top. I told her I didn’t have another top, and she laughed about how she’s encouraged people to work out in their sweatshirts. I asked for the email of someone to contact, and I left.

“It’s not OK, even if the rule also applies to men because either way it is enforcing the association (subconscious or otherwise) that showing skin is sexual or not respected in this Ivy League school gym and therefore should be shamed. It makes it acceptable to believe one’s dress is associated with how much respect they should receive.

“Of course it was embarrassing to be kicked out for showing a bit of “side” skin.”

Chloe denounced the incident on Cuntry Living, a feminist group on Facebook, posting a picture of her outfit saying:

This is not an isolated issue. The same thing happened to Elizabeth Dimitroff, another RISD student, at the Brown University gym.

Speaking to The Tab, a spokesperson for Brown University said:

“As part of its commitment to the health and safety of all community members who use the recreational facilities on campus, Brown Recreation has a set of policies in place, including requirements for attire. These policies are posted visibly in the Fitness Center and on the Brown Recreation website. Among other policies, they state:

–Closed-toe, non-marking athletic shoe must be worn at all times.

–Appropriate athletic clothing — shirt, shorts, sweats (no jeans or pants with buttons/hardware permitted). Shirt must be worn at all times, covering full chest and back.

In instances where an individual using the Fitness Center is unaware of these policies, staff approach them professionally and courteously, alert them to the policies and ask them to abide by the requirements. These policies and practices have been in place and consistently applied since the current Fitness Center opened in 2012.”

@TheTab