Preserving our tradition: a rationale behind NQR reform

I am a sophomore and member of the planning committee assembled by The TCU Senate and the Program Board to solve some of the problems associated with the last year's Naked Quad Run (NQR). Adam Pulver's article "Born to Run" reminded me that there were many elements of the Naked Quad Reception that our group had yet to explain clearly and that concerns, like those of Mr. Pulver, needed to be addressed in a public forum.

The NQR is one of the great, and few, Tufts traditions -- an event I would sorely miss if it were canceled. However, I was disappointed the morning after last year's run. I found that the importance and fun of the event were eclipsed by a laundry list of complaints by neighbors, and numerous unnecessary injuries, three of which resulted in hospitalization including one near-death due to the result of binge drinking and overcrowding in West Hall. It seemed to me that a really fantastic Tufts event was going to waste and that administrators and students alike were responsible for its collapse.

The conversations of our group began by discussing our biggest concerns, the most pressing of which was the pre-party in West Hall. President Bacow addressed this issue last year in an email, the content of which has been stretched and manipulated. In the email Bacow demanded that changes be made to the event. Consequently, we, the planning group, organized a Winter Carnival type event, on behalf of Tufts' students, before the NQR in order to provide attendees with alternatives to the West Hall gathering. It was our belief that many students were uncomfortable in West Hall and moving some of the festivities outdoors seemed like a logical, not to mention safe, substitute. By adding additional activities we are attempting to make the NQR a school wide event, enjoyed by all.

The reason for adding entertainment was very simple; it was obvious that what needed to change was the tone of the evening. By removing some of the angst, the tension, and by simply providing a "good time" we hope students will have fun, rather than place themselves in danger.

I agree with Mr. Pulver's suggestion for a broader based alcohol awareness and education on campus. I also understand that sadly these initiatives, though good in theory, will do little to curb the small minority of those who, as the author indicates, "[are] going to drink themselves into an oblivion." What I can suggest is that we all take care of each other that night. If you are with someone, a friend, who appears to be acting dangerously, do what you can to calm them down and help them out. Nobody wants to mourn the loss of a friend next Wednesday. Is that statement too dramatic? I don't think so. Rather, I feel it is the reality in which we all must live.

It is my belief that nobody on this campus wants to be faced with a tragedy the morning after the NQR, however I feel it was inevitable if we, the students of Tufts University, accept the episodes in West Hall last year. I speak now especially to those members of our community currently living in West. Keep whatever festivities are planned in your Hall safe. I do not think I need to remind anyone of the Station Nightclub fire last spring in Warwick, Rhode Island, a tragedy which killed 100 people and injured many others. The overcrowding experienced in West last year was unacceptable and placed everyone in the building in danger.

Moreover, I take issue with the fact that Mr. Pulver considers "crowding in West Hall and drinking with your friends" the "tradition" of the NQR. This type of assumption is certainly a problem if students like think this should be the focus of the event, or at least what makes it important. The pre-run party in West Hall had never really been an issue until last year, before which there were few complaints of the type received the morning after last year's event (destruction of property, etc.). Mr. Pulver is correct in saying that the pre-run party seemed to be the focus of last year's event, but to call it a tradition (implying a passing down of customs or rituals) is nothing less than irresponsible. I use the word irresponsible, to remind the author that most traditions, if not sponsored by the school itself, are passed down orally, the tone and structure determined by those involved in communicating the event to new members of the community and those unfamiliar with the NQR. Let everyone know that the real tradition is running, and the bond that is formed by baring it all and joining with the school in a bizarre winter ritual.

Regardless of if you run or not, it is very clear that we the students of Tufts must change the tone of the event, and hopefully in the process create a tradition at our school, of which we can truly be proud. How we do this: GET OUT THERE! Have a blast that night and if you want to run, enjoy your lap around the residential quad. Participating in the NQR and its festivities are a part of being a Tufts students. Ending up in the emergency room because you drank too much isn't! Have fun, but remember why we're out there. It is our responsibility to ensure that this great Tufts tradition is around for years to come.

William Dunn is a sophomore majoring in Political Science.