A yoga studio near Seattle has cancelled its monthly class offered specifically for people of color and the LGBT communities.



Laura Humpf, owner of Rainier Beach Yoga, issued a statement on the studio’s website saying “she never intended to exclude anyone.”

“My intention in offering my space to POC Yoga was to offer a widely inclusive healing space where all people could receive the benefits of yoga. I never intended to exclude anyone based on race or ethnicity. I have several classes on my schedule that are open to everyone, and my intention in bringing this class to Rainier Beach Yoga was to encourage more inclusivity within our diverse community in Seattle.



“That being said I now realize there was discriminatory language used in the advertising for this class. For that mistake I am deeply sorry. My intention was always to be inclusive.



“For the time being classes at Rainier Beach Yoga are on hold until further notice.”



Many supported the class saying the intentions to help people feel comfortable in a safe environment were good and non-discriminatory.



Others accused the studio of reverse racism.



The concept to offer the class came from five members of the LGBT community who were also people of color.



It’s a bit troubling that not only was the POC class cancelled, but the studio has cancelled all its classes.



That’s lead KIRO radio to wonder aloud if the studio has received threats of violence.



“You can fight with words, you can bring a spotlight to individual actions and ideologies and, whatever it is you want to do,” said Jason Rantz, hosts at KIRO radio. “…But to go that step further, and commit a threat, if that’s true, that is just absolutely disgusting to me.”