<p>I realize that college & naked go hand in hand & as the rest of society loses its clothing, Reedies may feel compelled to go farther in order to show they " think different".
My daughter graduated six years ago and I only remember Picts & boys sipping martinis in their suit jackets & boxer shorts on prospie day.
I tried to pretend I was shocked for their sake.
I was comfortable enough with the behavior of students that I allowed my 11 yr old to stay with her sister on campus, where she helped kids organize their rooms.
But I don't like to hear that a student was so uncomfortable that they felt compelled to take it to court rather than work it out on campus.
Reed</a> College investigating Title IX complaint over school tradition | OregonLive.com
Is olde Reede gone forever?</p>
<p>I am puzzled regarding “investigate.” This has been a ritual for years; what doesn’t Reed already know? The adcom tries to reject those who are “… such a poor match for the college …” </p>
<p>Does Title IX prohibit co-ed bathrooms?</p>
<p>It’s surprising to me that anyone would be surprised/shocked/offended at the presence of naked people at Reed. I don’t understand why the objector(s) opted not to use the other 4-5 entrances to Vollum and avoid the ‘naked gauntlet’ altogether. Maybe the option to avoid such traditions should be better highlighted? Or there should be warning signs posted, “Caution: Naked People Ahead”?</p>
<p>It is not clear whether the offended party was a student or staff member, or a group of community members acting on behalf of real or projected concerns. The ambiguity, lack of willingness to engage in discussion, and avoidance of the usual channels to handle community concerns seem somewhat suspect.</p>
<p>I’m not sure whether it would constitute a legit Title IX complaint since it is legal to be publicly naked in the city of Portland, and I’m doubtful that indiscriminate outdoor nakedness in itself could be considered sexual harassment. It seems that it would have to be accompanied explicit gestures or harassing words. It also wasn’t discriminatory in nature as everyone’s retinas were equally burned and I’m guessing the nudists included both male and female students (though I wasn’t there so I couldn’t say for sure). </p>
<p>If it was indeed a student who filed the complaint, I feel really badly for that person and for what they believed to be an unavoidably triggering situation. I do believe the campus and community should strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone and be conscientious of how their actions might affect others (HP), but at the same time I am strongly against censorship of legal free speech and self-expression for fear of offending someone. That is a very slippery slope that academia should especially avoid at all costs.</p>