Ripon College Days

"We're going streaking!"-a phrase that conjures up images of Old School's Will Farrell dashing naked through the streets-has taken on a whole new dimension. A small following of Ripon students have been seen baring it all, making streaking a new weekend pastime.

The online community of Facebook has embraced campus exhibitionists in the Ripon College Student Streaking Alliance. While the group carries with it humorous undertones, its creator junior Ryan Gustafson was inspired by a more serious event-a nude protest in Washington D.C. in 2003 to speak against the impending Iraqi invasion.

The group, which is composed of streakers and supporting bystanders alike, recognizes the dangers associated with and applauds the campus streaking movement. As Gustafson advertises on his site: "Members of this group may not necessarily be avid streakers themselves, but all members appreciate streaking on some level and want de-iced paths and lighter penalties for streaking at RC."

Sophomore Ryan Luedtke, who is no streaking amateur, dares to venture beyond the movement's virtual realm. Luedtke and friends began streaking in high school after soccer victories. At Ripon, Luedtke has been known to bare it all and run through the Quads.

"I don't know what it is-I don't think I'd do it alone-but going with a bunch of people is just funny," says Luedtke. His streaking partners are typically male and he notes, "I'd like to see more girls out there."

Luedtke offers a few suggestions to would-be streakers.

"Always carry your clothes: that's rule number one," he warns to ward off clothing theft. Rule number two? "Don't go alone!"

He also points out that streaking enthusiasts should not be ashamed if they have to take a break during the act. "I always get winded on the other side of Anderson," he says with a laugh. "It gets a little tiring; it's a long run."

Luedtke's friends have been encouraging of his nude affinity.

"It's not an everyday occurrence, so when people see it they think it's funny," he says. "I usually hear things like 'hey, I heard you went streaking again- awesome!' and 'invite me the next time you go.'"

To date, Luedtke has yet to be caught in the buff. Not all have been so lucky, however.

Senior Nicole Kaplan got busted on a streaking spree earlier this year.

Over the course of a Saturday evening, Kaplan and her streaking cohorts ran nude through the Quads three times. After the second time around, a friend informed Kaplan that an R.A. had seen and written her up.

A week passed, however, and Kaplan heard nothing. Then she received an email from Tri-John Hall Director Jessica Joanis and a meeting was arranged to discuss Kaplan's incident report.

Although the meeting was slightly awkward for both, Kaplan walked away with a mere slap on the wrist in the form of a written reprimand.

"Apparently streaking isn't directly against school policy, but it's generally frowned upon," says Kaplan.

All said and done, did she learn her lesson?

"It's probably something I'd consider doing again, sure," she adds. "It's such a college tradition; there's really no other time in your life you can take your clothes off and run around outside."

Administrators are not as willing to write off streaking as a harmless college tradition.

Dean of Students Chris Ogle stresses the importance of remembering that seemingly harmless individual decisions have the potential to negatively affect others.

"My suspicion is that some would think it's funny and others would be horribly offended," says Ogle. "As a community we've always tried to take into account that we not offend or disrespect other students on the campus."

Kaplan recognizes that her actions could offend.

"I think we're a pretty liberal campus; but I would apologize to anyone who is offended because I would never offend anyone purposely," she says.

While streaking is not explicitly mentioned in the student handbook, Ogle says it would fall under the "Cooperation and Compliance" section of the rulebook. This section doesn't state a specific fine for offenders, but Ogle says $50 has been the standard penalty, although cases vary.

Ultimately, a policy specific to streaking could be put in place, but isn't high on the school's list of priorities.

"I suppose if we had a run of it, we'd run it by J-Board to get feedback, but I'm not itchy to do it tomorrow," says Ogle. "That's how other policies start...as people have to enforce them or others feel like there are gaps then we'd build a policy accordingly."

Until then, the incidents will be dealt with as they come.

"With a lot of our situations, especially when they're not specifically outlined, we take them on a case by case basis," says Ogle. "But I would hope we'd have consistency in how we deal with them."

And yet, consistency doesn't always seem to be the case. While Kaplan didn't receive a fine, senior A.J. Morgan had to pay for his naked antics last fall.

Morgan sought personal expression through a streaking-related activity-nude dancing. After last year's Springfest performances, Morgan and two friends continued the day's dancing outside Scott Hall, sans clothes, with an audience of passersby. Morgan and company were discovered by Quads Hall Director Scott Mundro and Director of Residence Life Josh De War, who asked them to cover up and the spirited group complied.

After the incident, Morgan received a letter that spoke in what he describes as "harsh, cutting terms" from Dean Ogle. The letter chastised Morgan for his "lewd conduct" and issued the penalty-a $100 fine.

"His justification was, had we been caught by police the fine would have been significantly more," says Morgan. "But what about kids and underage drinking? All they would get [from the college] is a $50 fine or an alcohol class."

In Morgan's eyes, the punishment did not fit the crime. He also feels his nakedness addresses larger issues than school policy.

"Others were just content to watch but not participate," says Morgan. "The whole point was to freely express ourselves and attack all the taboos and norms on this campus. Everyone should be an exhibitionist."

While the number of participants seem to be on the rise, the trend may face hibernation in the coming winter months.

Gustafson's Alliance site highlights the obstacles unique to Wisconsin, such as "frostbite and ice related injuries", labeling streaking as a "dangerous pastime." As the winter approaches, will our resident streakers trade in their birthday suits for more weather-appropriate snowsuits?

"The fun of streaking is never lessened by the weather," says Kaplan, who's not confined by seasonal whims . "If you're really determined, the elements aren't going to stop you."

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