Why was the "Reg Run" banned for Winter Quarter 2011?
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Recently, there has been a lot of debate regarding the reg run, an annual tradition here at the University. In particular, it seems unclear as to how library policies have changed in order to stop the reg run and why the reg run is uniquely worse than other nude events on campus (including those sponsored by the University through funding and publicity, such as the polar bear run).
[and several other similiar submissions]
[For those unfamiliar with the "Reg Run," on a certain evening in Winter Quarter, Chicago's track and cross-country teams would run through the Reg...clad only in their running shoes.]
Last June the Library crafted two new documents, "User Rights and Responsibilities for Creating and Sustaining a Scholarly Environment," and "Maintaining a Scholary Environment in the Library," that brought together and codified several Library policies.
The latter document says "wearing clothing, including shirts and shoes," is expected of Library users and staff. Happily, we haven't had to mediate many dress-related issues, but we thought it prudent to specify Library business should be conducted while clothed.
After last year's Reg Run a few patrons complained that a mass of people running naked through the Library was distracting and inappropriate. Disregarding these complaints and turning an blind eye to streaking seemed inconsistent with our now-explicit clothing requirement.
Accordingly, the Library asked the Athletics department staff and coaches to encourage their athletes to keep their clothes on while in the Reg, and noting we would enforce this policy by asking violators to comply with Library rules, and to put their clothes back on.
We're aware there are other times on campus -- the Polar Bear Run, the Lascivious Ball -- where nudity is encouraged. We're not implying the Reg Run is worse than these other events, but because they take place outside the Library what you (don't) wear to them isn't really our business. In general, we're not too concerned with how you dress when not in the Reg, although we do have some helpful books.
It's unfortunate that other departments promote the Reg Run as a tradition, and use it as demonstrate the quirky kind of fun we have here at Chicago. Although if your idea of "fun" is "running naked through the campus library", we humbly suggest you get out a little more. [Pot, meet kettle --Ed.] (Touché, but are librarians really supposed to have a social life? Those books don't shelve themselves...)
Perhaps the best (and extremely unofficial) advice we've heard on this topic come from a Suggestions Office colleague: "if you're seeking permission to streak, you're doing it wrong."
