Photo WUR The wearing of cropped tops in the SCB gym has sparked a heated debate among students on social media. Over two hundred students have responded in the Wageningen Student Plaza Facebook group. It all started with a sign saying ‘No crop tops’ at the gym entrance.
Intimidating
‘De Bongerd does not have a dress code’, Henri ten Klooster, head of the sports centre, underscores. ‘However, six years ago, we were faced with a huge influx of weightlifters, among whom were young men clad in muscle shirts who enjoyed admiring their muscles in the mirror. Women, in particular, found this to be intimidating. In response, we implemented a dress code for the gym. The rules are: no caps and chest, abdomen and behind must be covered.’
I feel that everyone should be free to choose what they wear, but we also want everyone to feel welcome at the sports centre
Henri ten Klooster, head of sports centre De Bongerd
‘In our customer satisfaction survey, our members responded positively to these measures’, Ten Klooster continues. ‘The weightlifting association has grown, and by offering weight lifting courses for women, many women have joined the association. There is also an entirely different atmosphere. Everyone feels at home.’
Dialogue
Ten Klooster states that the sign that was put up in the gym – “No crop tops”- may have lacked nuance. The sign has been removed. He wants to have a dialogue with those in favour and those opposed to crop tops on their clothing preferences. ‘Recently, fashion among students in Wageningen appears to be changing. I feel that everyone should be free to choose what they wear, but we also want everyone to feel welcome at the sports centre.’