A safer run

Contrary to the strong language used in President Larry Bacow's e-mail condemning last semester's Naked Quad Run, the annual event does not appear to be in jeopardy. But University administrators appear committed to making changes that they believe will ensure the safety of the hundreds of participants.

The Naked Quad Run is one of the few Tufts traditions that is perennially celebrated by undergraduates. It would certainly be a serious mistake to try to stop the Run completely, and realistically, it is probably not even possible.

Though some of Bacow's shock last December can be dismissed as his surprising first experience with the winter ritual, the serious injuries reported suggest that some properly implemented changes could be beneficial.

Bacow's reference to the dangers in running around an "icy, hilly campus" in his letter is a bit of a stretch. The date and route of each year's Run is no secret to anyone (and incidentally does not include traveling over any hills). The University can quickly and easily take some preventative measures _ sanding the roads and walkways, or removing the metal posts from the sidewalks _ to help prevent running-related injuries.

Dean of Students Bruce Reitman believes students should be charged with keeping the Naked Quad Run safe for everyone. Unfortunately, as last semester's Run demonstrated, there are many non-students that show up as spectators. Since Tufts is an open campus, there is little that can be done about this, save fencing off the upper quad Spring Fling-style and checking IDs. But if "groping" is determined to be a major problem, something similar may have to be done to control the size of the large non-participating crowd.

As to the drinking and destruction in West Hall, the president should try visiting the dorm any other weekend. It is not exclusive to the first night of fall reading period, as facilities and buildings and grounds employees could attest.

It would be helpful if the Senate initiated a dialogue with the University regarding safety measures for the Naked Quad Run. It is the easiest and most effective means of having student input drive any decisions made about the event. The Naked Quad Run can and should be made safer. But it's also up to us to keep the tradition going.