The dress code at the CPA does not make logical sense. If the excuse is that infections spread through skin contact with equipment (like MRSA), Trinity University Associate Professor of Biology Michele Johnson states, “While MRSA and other bacterial diseases can spread in gyms, [dress codes] would provide no protection from these bacteria. If the goal is preventing the spread of disease, a policy that requires wiping down gym equipment after each use would be far more effective than a wardrobe-based policy, unless biohazard suits were required… the skin on an athlete’s hands, forearms, legs and faces-which are freely exposed to gym equipment under the current policy- are no less susceptible to bacterial disease than the skin on their midriffs.” This proves that the dress code is not about the type of clothing one wears but the wiping down of equipment by students and staff at the CPA. 

Let’s not forget that 100% of the CPA’s budget comes from STUDENT FEES. So why are they allowed to put such restrictive measures in place when we are paying for the building, equipment, and staff to be there in the first place? I believe that the CPA cannot kick students out because we are the ones who pay for it through student fees.

Don’t forget that there is not a dress code for other buildings at ETSU. This means that you could go to class in a sports bra but not to the gym to work out. If this isn’t reason enough, then I do not know what is. 

We know that the dress code also unfairly targets women. This is in no way a reflection of those that are forced to enforce the dress code, who are often other students, but of the policy in general. Who do you think is mainly impacted by not showing midriff or wearing crop tops? This appears to be body-shaming of those who want to exercise in whatever clothing they find necessary. 

I have also heard from other students that they are called selfish to staff if they question the dress code. I want to reiterate that this could not be farther from the truth. We are fighting for them, too, in the hopes they will not have to enforce such a ridiculous dress code by upper-level management at the CPA. I understand that some restrictions have to be in place, but the current dress code goes entirely too far. At the very least, the Student Government Association or a University Committee needs to review this dress code.