Popular Fitness Center Memo Labels Pride, BLM Symbols 'Freedom of Expression,' But Bans American Flag Except on Holidays

Tré Goins-Phillips : Jun 12, 2024
Faithwire.com

Employees at the gym chain are allowed—at all times—to wear clothing with phrases and images supporting Black Lives Matter, LGBT Pride, and Juneteenth. The memo further states patriotic apparel with the "[US] Flag or United States logo" is only permitted "on holidays such as Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4th, Veteran's Day, Patriots Day, etc."

[Faithwire.com] A memo circulated internally at 24 Hour Fitness is reportedly labeling symbols associated with Black Lives Matter and LGBT pride as "freedom of expression" while banning patriotic imagery—like the American flag—except for on certain US holidays. (Screengrab image: via YouTube)

The letter first obtained by the viral social media activist behind Libs of TikTok reportedly states employees should "bring their full selves to work every day" and encourages staffers—which the company calls "team members"—to dress in apparel that shows "solidarity and support" for specific causes.

Employees at the gym chain are allowed—at all times—to wear clothing with phrases and images supporting Black Lives Matter, LGBT Pride, and Juneteenth. The memo further states patriotic apparel with the "[US] Flag or United States logo" is only permitted "on holidays such as Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4th, Veteran's Day, Patriots Day, etc."

"If other occasions come up where team members would like the opportunity for personal expression, please consult with your [general manager] and/or line manager," the memo purportedly adds.

CBN News has reached out to 24 Hour Fitness' press office for a statement. If a representative for the gym responds, this story will be updated to include those remarks.

Gyms have been in the crosshairs in recent years amid debates over transgender accessibility.

In the summer of 2023, for example, women who canceled their memberships to Ohio-based YMCAs began speaking out after a male who identified as a transgender woman exposed his genitalia in the women's locker room, according to CBN News.

Then, in March of this year, Planet Fitness found itself in hot water. As CBN News reported, the nationwide chain's stock value took a nosedive after drawing the ire of Americans who took umbrage with its transgender locker room policy... Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

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