ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Reuters)
University of Michigan
officials are urging students to keep their
clothes on next
Tuesday night and avoid participating in a nude spring jogging
ritual known as the ``Naked Mile.''
University President Lee Bollinger, in a letter to students
this week, said he is concerned the annual even could lead to
assaults, excessive drinking and nude pictures showing up on the
Internet.
``I hope you will take seriously my recommendation not to
participate and understand the spirit in which it is offered,''
said Bollinger.
As many as 1,000 men and women are
expected to disrobe and
make the mile-long run April 20 while another 10,000
spectators line campus and city streets to watch.
Started 13 years ago to celebrate the last day of classes,
university spokeswoman Julie Peterson said the event
became dangerous and unruly two years ago when the crowd of
onlookers became so large that runners were forced
to slow down into a walk, making them easy prey for gropers and
video cameras.
The event has become so well known it is widely promoted on
several
Internet sites, which offer information and
publish photos from previous Naked Mile runs.
``We've said to students, 'we would really hate to see these
at your Senate confirmation hearing','' Peterson said.
Peterson said the university's biggest concern is for the
safety of students. The school plans to have volunteers
offering shirts for people who want clothes, and Ann Arbor
police will enforce open container laws.
Every year there are a number of fourth-degree criminal
sexual
conduct complaints, and last year a nude woman was
found unconscious on the steps of the university art museum,
Peterson said.
