CREDIT: PROVIDED BY ELIZABETH MCKENZIE
This image of a Fanshawe student's selfie that went viral showing what was worn the day she was asked to leave the Student Wellness Centre for violating the dress code.

On Jan. 23, Fanshawe student Elizabeth McKenzie came to the Student Wellness Centre to exercise and was asked to change the top she was wearing.

“They came up to me and only me and told me to cover up. Not my male friend, but me. After a while I noticed my crop top that they said was acceptable was the exact same length as my sports bra/tee, so I took it off,” Mckenzie wrote in a Facebook post.

The situation escalated once security arrived; an event that was recorded and shared all over the internet. “I’m being escorted out for what I’m wearing and they’ve brought two men. That seems appropriate,” Mckenzie said in a Snapchat post as she exited the Student Wellness Centre.

It was then that Mckenzie claims one of the security guards threatened to handcuff her.

All over the internet, from Twitter, to Snapchat, Reddit, and a Facebook post with eleven thousand plus likes and comments; the incident went viral.

Jodi Anderson, Program Director for the Student Wellness Centre sat with Interrobang to give insight into what situations may require security involvement at the Wellness Centre.

“Security gets involved for us when someone is in violation of our gym etiquette. Dress code is a part of our gym etiquette, but that would [also include] using foul language, disruptive behaviour to classes, outbursts, or situations where we feel our safety is at risk,” Anderson said.

Anderson explained the purpose and implementation of the dress code.

“[The dress code] is in place for the health and well-being of the student population and members who use this facility; to reduce skin contact with equipment. […] We approach anybody with dignity, respect and a gentle approach, making sure the person is aware of our policy. Then they’re asked if they have something else to wear. […] If someone is not adhering to the dress code we’ll give them several warnings. There’s a minimum of five warnings before it would escalate to a violation of student code of conduct. […] This is not the first time we’ve had to use student code of conduct,” Anderson said.

Since the news has gone viral a lot of people have reached out to speak with McKenzie.

The Interrobang also reached out to McKenzie to hear more about her story.

“There are a lot of people I’ve spoken to about this, like seven reporters,” McKenzie said.

So far the story has been covered by multiple news agencies: CBC, Global News, AM980 and 1069theX to name a few.

Anderson described her sentiments on the media spotlight. “I wouldn’t say this is all great publicity. It would be great if it were all accurate,” Anderson said.

Mckenzie explained her surprise of how many people are now paying attention to her story, “I didn’t think it would blow up as big as it did.” McKenzie’s message for others in similar situations is simple. “Message me. You are not alone,” Mckenzie said.

Approximately 50 men and women who allege similar experiences of also being addressed for dress code, have reportedly contacted her to share their stories.

“It [makes people] so uncomfortable and embarrassed; they [stop people] in front of their whole workout, in front of their friends and other people, and single them out,” Mckenzie said.

Mckenzie explained what she’s fighting for and that her ultimate goal is to become an agent for change, and has taken her ambitions to Fanshawe Student Union (FSU) president Morganna Sampson.

“I’m fighting that there should be equality and that we should be able to choose what we want [to wear] on our own bodies.”

Sampson spoke with the Interrobang to clarify what course of action she is taking with this case.

“I am for sure working on finding research about why a dress code exists, what the purpose of a dress code is at its core and seeing if we need a dress code here or if we don’t. So it’s just logical, we’re looking at the facts, sticking with that,” Sampson said.

According to Sampson, the Student Wellness Centre’s perspective on the issue was for hygiene purposes (skin to skin contact or skin to mat contact), and that at this point in time, the FSU’s stance is also on the skin to mat contact.

Sampson also made clear she is researching more on the issue and will also be speaking with representatives from four other Ontario Colleges to hear what their practices are surrounding gym dress codes.

“[This case] is still being discussed, the discussion is still open and maybe there’s some other hygiene practices that we can start incorporating that would alleviate that concern,” Sampson said.

Although according to Anderson the dress code will not be removed, there may be a possibility of modifying the dress code.

In the meantime McKenzie wonders what to expect. She is currently banned from the Student Wellness Centre while the matter is under investigation.