Run at your own risk Students could make Naked Mile safer Since the Naked Mile's advent in 1986, the atmosphere surrounding the year-end tradition has changed. Rather than remaining a seniors-only event, other students have joined in and everyone from sketchy townies to Channel 4 News comes to watch. For many, the risks may outweigh the pleasures of baring it all and running down South University. Student volunteers from last year deserve commendation for attempting to keep the Naked Mile safe. Efforts like handing out T-shirts and lining the runners' path made a big difference. Students should volunteer in increased numbers this year. But despite current safety precautions, students need to realize that the event is unsafe. University President Lee Bollinger has sent a letter to seniors warning them of the dangers of running and numerous ad campaigns have stressed the same issues. Besides the physical threats, authorities are threatening arrests and further penalties to discourage runners. Although the DPS probably will not be arresting anyone, the Ann Arbor Police Department will not hesitate to arrest runners on city property. Indecent exposure is a sex offense, which will stay on a criminal record for the rest of one's life. Unlawful assembly may have a long lasting effect too, due to a bill signed by Gov. John Engler on April 6. Anyone convicted of this offense will be prohibited from attending a state university. While illogical and absurd, this law threatens the educational futures of Naked Mile runners. But the Naked Mile is not going to go away and the city should be smart enough to realize this. It can take measures to ensure the safety of its residents. Closing off a street and hiring extra security are starting points. City officials can show concern for student safety without explicitly supporting the Naked Mile. The Naked Mile may not be an event for everyone; certainly many administrators, politicians and even students here are opposed to it. But it is tradition and it should be fun. As long as students recognize the dangers involved in participating, they should be allowed to have one more wild night of freedom before graduation and the work force beckon.   Originally on page 4 in the 4-14-2000 issue of the Daily.
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