Forum needed to save run

Submitted by: Andrew Dushkes

Upon reading the news of the cancellation of UCLA’s Undie Run tradition this summer, I was a bit shocked at the abruptness and timing of the announcement. To the best of my knowledge, negotiations between university representatives and student leaders about how to improve Undie Run have been ongoing for the better part of two years.

During these past two years, the student body has graciously accommodated the university’s requests for improved safety and cost reduction, including changing the route and minimizing property damage.

In fact, following the route change in fall of 2008, university officials, such as university police spokeswoman Nancy Greenstein complimented most of the student body for its good behavior during the winter-quarter run. Therefore, it comes as a bit of a surprise to me that these same officials would unilaterally decide to end the event and do so at a time when the majority of students are not on campus.

I am familiar with the university’s concerns regarding Undie Run, namely cost and student safety, and I recognize these as very valid concerns that have yet to be fully addressed. I also understand that the current financial climate further complicates and expedites a solution, but I do not think that canceling Undie Run is a viable one.

Undie Run, after all, is an unofficial event started by students as a safe and relatively non-destructive or nondisruptive way to have fun, relieve stress and celebrate the quarter. This does not mean that the university deserves no say in the matter ““ after all, it has graciously provided both security and a location for the event.

I especially applaud the university’s commitment to student safety, and fully support its efforts in providing it. However, I also believe that this means a solution needs to be reached by both parties ““ or risk stifling student creativity and, more importantly, the UCLA experience and tradition.

It would seem that the largest barrier to safety is cost, especially in light of budget concerns for both the state and university. It is my hope that both university officials and student leaders were in discussion when the decision to cancel Undie Run was made. However, I find it hard to accept that ““ after years of successful compromise ““ no new solution could be reached.

If such is the case, I respectfully ask that the issue be opened up to the entire campus for discussion because certainly, the collective efforts of more than 40,000 of the most elite administrators, professors and students will lead to a viable, long-term solution.

One tentative idea that popped into my head is some form of sponsorship in order to subsidize the cost of Undie Run security and maintenance. Whether or not this is a possible solution, I would like to see this idea and many others discussed in some sort of forum. I am confident that a solution can be reached if such action is taken.

Undie Run is tradition. Undie Run is school spirit. Undie Run is something that is unique to the student experience, a rarity these days. As a strong supporter of the event, I personally believe that it can be beneficial to both parties involved, but in order for this to happen, there must be a commitment from both sides to work toward the preservation of this not-so-hidden gem.

In the past year or so, the student body has demonstrated its commitment. Now, in these troubling and often stressful times, it is the university’s turn to show a similar dedication to an event that has woven itself into the UCLA identity.

The fact remains that Undie Run is an unofficial event started and maintained by students, and in all likelihood, a similar run will occur somewhere this fall regardless of UCLA’s official position.

This could potentially lead to an Undie Run inherently more costly and dangerous than its former setup. Neither I, nor anyone involved, would like to see this happen. I respectfully urge each Bruin to continue in negotiations and not be afraid to tap the wealth of resources that walk this campus everyday.

Dushkes is a third-year global studies student.

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