Dress code is unneccessary

If tank tops and cut-off T-shirts aren't appropriate at the gym, Nike, Adidas and Champion need to redirect their marketing teams. According to a Nov. 19 story in the IDS, "Cut-offs could be cut out," the Student Recreational Sports Center and the School of Health Physical Education and Recreation are considering a new dress code that would ban "inappropriate" attire such as tank tops and cut-off T-shirts. \nKimberly Ruff, Director of Marketing and Sponsorship for Division of Recreational Sports said the sudden urge to implement new dress code rules follows complaints by participants who claim that the inappropriate attire of others' distracts them from working out. Supporters also say the dress code would improve the sanitation of the facilities and decrease the amount of wear and tear to the already overworked equipment. The possible change, officials hope, will make the facilities more inviting and attractive to users. \nIronically enough, the goal of the SRSC and HPER doesn't have to be enticing business, as the predominant source of their revenue each year comes from our activity fees, regardless of whether students are using the gyms. \nBut the University has no official dress code. And why should it? We are all adults, and if someone wants to show his or her midriff while working out, that's the individual's prerogative. If the way someone is dressed is distracting or disturbing, simply look away. It's not as if people are forced to workout in close quarters. In the SRSC especially, it's easy enough to move machines, face another direction or continue your workout in another room.\nIf anything, the logical action to take, as far as protecting the life of the equipment and decreasing the spread of bacteria, would be to mandate all users to wipe down the machines with disinfectant when they finish using them. If anything, forcing students to wear more clothing will induce more sweating, and probably make the facilities less attractive to those wanting to workout. Nobody should be expected to want to run around the un-airconditioned HPER in sleeves. \nThankfully, nothing is set in stone and a coalition between the SRSC, HPER and the Fitness Wellness Council will be surveying students in January and February to investigate if a dress code is warranted based on student opinions. Officials hope to have the new plan in place by spring break, but until then, they will be asking for your view on the issue. Surveys will be available at the gyms as well as online but have yet to be created.\nWhen the time comes, we urge you to tell the SRSC and HPER that a dress code is not needed. Students would rather see a few inappropriate spandex get-ups during their workout than succumb in sleeves.\nMeghan Dwyer for the Editorial Board