Mizzou Student Disputes Rec Center Dress Code

A University of Missouri student made it her mission to ensure that the school’s rec center is consistently enforcing its dress code.

According to the Missourian, Jaelyn Murry was recently stopped by front desk staff at Mizzou Rec for wearing a sports bra that left her midriff exposed. The attendant at the front desk told her that her clothing was against Mizzou Rec’s dress code.

Murry, who is black, noted that she’d seen other students entering Mizzou Rec in similar dress. A transfer from a community college in Oakland, Calif., Murry also took issue with the lack of any signage at the entrance to the center that clearly communicated the dress code.

Murry eventually reported her experience to the university's Office of Civil Rights & Title IX and scheduled a conflict resolution meeting with Mizzou Rec staff members to discuss the matter.

Murry brought pictures to that meeting of other students working out in outfits similar to the one she wore the day she was turned away. Most of the students in the pictures were white.

Carrie Steuber, an employee at rec center, acknowledged during the meeting that there were "consistency issues" to be addressed with employees around how the code is enforced and agreed to do what she could with available resources to post signage at building entrances.

Two signs have since been posted at the entrance that display Mizzou Rec's membership guidelines: Bring an ID; wear a shirt and shoes inside; share equipment; and don't take photos.

Mizzou Rec spokesman Christian Basi said the university is enforcing rules that are similar to other universities across the country. 

For her part, Murry said she feels she was heard and is happy with Mizzou's action on the matter.