SMDH @ all you people that are coming down on OP for something that was NOT her FAULT! I am disgusted, especially with the ones that say that she brought it on herself by "flirting." And to the one that asked what she was wearing, REALLY?!?! Who do you think you are to assume that a woman, who you don't know, in a situation that didn't witness is guilty of something when all she did was be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Stop with the judging and bad advice. You don't know this situation and you don't know men AT ALL. So stop with the lecturing. She doesn't need it.
Number, I am the only person on this thread that say this. It is wrong, but I don't care. Your SO should have stepped up. He let you down big time.
What does it say about black women that let this boyfriend off the hook? No, if he was suppose to be "protecting her" he should be there at her side the whole time. On the treadmill, at the weights, on the bike. I don't care. If he knew how dudes could be at this gym, he should be with you letting negros know; "This my lady. Better step off." BUt he was off somewhere, and doesn't even get involved until it's too late. Something tells me, he needs to man up. Because this fool walked all over him and let his woman get disrespected in public. I spoke to a few guys, and they think the same thing. You never let your lady get punked like that. It's his job to make you feel safe.
You heard of "Tread softly but walk with a big stick." I say walk proudly and with a big dog. Get a German Shepherd. You want some exercise, you will get it. These dogs will fast walk, job, or run and just love it. Most people that have dogs lose the most weight and maintain it, because dogs have a lot of energy and stamina. With a big one, you could go for hours! I walked mine for 10-13 miles on average. (She loved it, and I was in great shape.) Here's an article:
http://www.i-newswire.com/study-reveals-pet-owners-are-among/99604
I say German Shepherd because there are the most protective dogs on earth. So if your feeling afraid in your community this is the dog for you. Their are practically born with the idea that you are their castle and must be protected from people and they especially hate men with sexually thoughts on their minds. The know when your in danger before you do. Black men are scared of dogs. I've walked mine through the most ghetto areas and all hours of the night and NO ONE messed with me. It's hilarious. Men would actually run to the other side of the road when they saw us coming. You'll still have to avoid pitt and rockies, they've been trained to fight. But most people will never mess with a dog. That dog will protect your home when your not in it better than any security system. And he will attack your assaulter faster than you can pull out the mace or gun. This might not be feasible now, because your in school. But a dog is a great addition for anyone. Especially if you want exercise without the harassment. Here's an article on protective dogs (But I wouldn't buy one from here...).
http://www.myk9u.com/breeding.html
I was physically assaulted very young, at 13. Luckily, I have big brothers that "defended" my honor and made me safe and taught me how to protect myself and be independent at the same time. So I learned about this things way too early. The "Don't **** with me" face, is a challenge to a lot of punks who believe that all women are trash. I use it, but I know its limitations. I avoid punks, I have attitude, but know some men will not stop. Sometimes this crap is going to happen to no matter what you do.
If you've never been in this situation, this is not the thread. OP doesn't need some vague advice about assertiveness, accusations, or pressing charges. She actually handled that situation WELL, and I commend her for keeping calm in a traumatic situation. What happened to her was not her fault, and she handled herself the best she could. Instead, just lament on the situation and learn, you are seconds away from some punk pushing up on you. You could go the right place, wear the right things, have the right attitude. Doesn't matter.
This could be you. My advice is take some martial arts, it'll help you feel safe but won't protect you from everyone. Get a dog, because their the best defenders. And get some protective weapon, mace, gun, etc, and practice using them because when the time comes you will only have seconds to get it right.
And finally, let me add my disgust of the her college black community protecting the guilty black man from the police AGAIN. SMDH!!!
That story did sound a bit far fetched at first. 
And the "I need an adult" comment did have me slowly dying inside. I mean, of all things to say... 
erplexed Anyhoo my SO said he would come to keep an eye on me while i worked out. Today out of maybe the twenty people there i knew say 5 or 6 guys personally so they would put there arm around to speak or poke me in my side which i am fine with. Well today I was racing one of my friends on a stationary bike and this guy who had hit on me before was working out beside me. Well he says something about my braids (i had in two french braids for the workout) and pulls one of them so hard i fall halfway out the bike. I was so stunned i shouted "I NEED AN ADULT." My SO, who was distracted at the time didnt see what happened and though one of our friends was messing with me. I get really upset and he's like i dont know what happened what do you want me to do. I ignore him at this point because im so upset and he goes into the lobby. The dude comes back and pulls my hair again so i shouted "DONT TOUCH MY BRAIDS". He went into the lobby after that. Apparently SO then told him to leave me alone and that I was his girlfriend. The dude then says I have a cousin that could sh** on yo girlfriend.