Skin is not 'in'

I am writing this letter to clarify misconceptions about attire in the strength and conditioning rooms. The reason this topic is being addressed this semester is due to our currently vague apparel policy stating "appropriate attire required." Due to the subjective wording of the dress code, IU Recreational Sports has not been able to define what appropriate means. Each individual's idea of what "appropriate" entails can vary widely. In response to this concern, the Fitness Wellness Council has attempted to revise the policy, making it more specific, decreasing the chance for misinterpretation. \nLet me clarify that the Council has never attempted to outlaw the tank top or the "cut-off" t-shirt, ("Dress Code is Unnecessary," Dec. 2, 2002). What we have attempted to do however is clarify what is considered "appropriate attire." A number of options have been proposed, one of which is that the chest be fully enclosed and that shorts must be long enough to cover the entire buttocks region, thus minimizing skin contact with our equipment. In order to get participant feedback on the options, we sponsored an open forum on Nov. 19, 2002, and plan another open forum Tuesday. Individuals are also encouraged to e-mail fitwell@indiana.edu with comments. \nThe two considerations raised by participants here at IU RecSports are sanitation and the psychology of the culture. Sweat and body oils serve as catalysts for the wear and tear process of our equipment's upholstery. We can help slow down this by minimizing the actual skin contact with our equipment. Clothes serve as your first protective barrier against skin-to-surface contact. This contact can cause a variety of skin disorders and health problems. These problems may not be extremely prevalent in our facility currently, but things of this sort surely do happen. We also plan to do more to facilitate participants being able to "wipe down" equipment immediately after use. \nAs far as the culture of the environment goes, everyone who visits our facilities should feel welcome. All students pay the mandatory student activity fee, therefore, each of those students should feel accommodated equally. Yet many people have objected to coming into an environment where some participants are dressed so immodestly that they will not use the equipment after them. Others communicate discomfort about this situation because they struggle with body image and self-confidence issues. Our focus here at IU RecSports is to benefit the quality of people's lives through physical activity by making it fun. \nThe challenge is this, as soon as we place some limit on attire, someone will feel "denied." Why can't we focus on finding a common ground on this topic so that we are eliminating barriers to participation? That is what we are seeking from you. Help us find this common ground.\nUpon reaching the goals of our three varied options, a confidential on-line voting process will be administered. Upon completion of the voting process, the results will be discussed at the following council meeting. Any modifications and revisions will then be made for a final recommendation to our professional staff.\nAlthough clothing will minimize skin-to-skin contact with others and the equipment, that alone will not do the job of sanitation in its entirety. Cleaning up after ourselves has been preached our entire lives; so let that principle be more prevalent in the gym, just as it is in the kitchen. \nYour input and thoughts of "appropriate" are surely welcomed. The Fitness Wellness Council is serving as the facilitators to this discussion, which will continue on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the SRSC Auditorium. Our thoughts on this discussion remain: it is not whether we revise the current policy, but simply how we go about properly doing so. Thank you.