The entrance to Looney’s Pub in College Park.

The University of Maryland SGA passed a resolution Wednesday urging Looney’s Pub to change the language used in its dress code for patrons.

The resolution passed with a final vote of 24–0, with two abstentions.

Current posted signage at Looney’s states: “Absolutely NO Urban-wear, baggy clothing, long or sleeveless shirts, tank tops or ‘wife beaters,’ large chains, bandannas, skullies, doorags, large shorts, large logos and patchwork pants. All hats must be worn properly and all chains tucked in under shirts. Dress code strictly enforced by bouncers and management. All attire at doorman’s discretion. Failure to comply will result in non-admittance and/or removal from establishments.”

Johanna DeGuzman, the Student Government Association’s Diversity Committee chairwoman, said she and the committee particularly took issue with the clause stating “NO Urban-wear,” claiming the sign’s language targets attire that has been associated historically and culturally with minorities and carries discriminatory connotations.

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Additionally, allowing bouncers to interpret what clothing is appropriate leaves room for stereotyping and discrimination, DeGuzman added. 

Justin Moorman, Looney’s general manager, said while “urban wear” may be too broad of a term, the language isn’t tailored to target any specific group of people.

“It is a courtesy to any patron to have any rules of the establishment clearly displayed so that they are fully aware of said policies,” he said. “In the 22 years of the Looney’s organization being in operation, there has never been an issue with the dress code.”

In passing the legislation, DeGuzman and Ronk said the SGA’s goal is not to target Looney’s and lead a boycott but to lead the establishment to recognize that the language in its policy could be perceived as discriminatory.

The issue of dress codes first came to SGA President Patrick Ronk’s attention in October when he passed by Cornerstone Grill & Loft and noticed a sign that “roughly said they don’t allow patrons to wear do-rags, basketball jerseys, sagging pants, or ‘urban wear’ of any kind,” according to a Facebook post written by Ronk. After Ronk voiced concern about the dress code, a bouncer yelled, “You’re not black, dude. You don’t have to worry about this,” Ronk wrote.

While the SGA decided not to take action in regard to Cornerstone, it decided to craft a bill urging Looney’s to change its policy.

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“Cornerstone had talked to the bouncer; we didn’t feel like there was anything to go after,” DeGuzman said. “Looney’s has a visible sign, not something written on a whiteboard.”

Ronk said he hopes that because Looney’s is a college bar, it would consider enforcing a more inclusive dress attire that doesn’t appear to target minorities.

“I don’t want this to be construed as calling everyone racist. We don’t know definitively why Looney’s has this dress code, and it’s not fair to accuse them of being racist,” he said. “It’s just these type of dress codes … could be construed as targeting a certain kind of person.”

The committee intends to reach out to Looney’s at some point to voice its concerns on behalf of the university’s students, DeGuzman said. 

Moorman said he and Looney’s are open to listening to the committee’s concerns.

“We try to support as many student groups and functions as we can when possible,” he said. “However, until a channel of communication is opened, we can’t comment on planned compromises.”