Bollinger to send letters against Mile

By Nick Bunkley
Daily Staff Reporter

The last day of winter classes can only mean one thing in Ann Arbor - hundreds of students shedding their inhibitions and their clothes for a liberating run down South University Avenue.

With the end of winter term and the annual Naked Mile one week away, University President Lee Bollinger said he plans to inform students that he does not condone the year-end tradition. "He's sending a letter to all seniors, expressing his concerns and discouraging their participation," University spokesperson Julie Peterson said. "We don't want our students to get hurt."

Drafts of the letter were not available yesterday, but Peterson said she expects Bollinger to have a final copy today and the letter to be sent later this week.

The Naked Mile began as a small celebration at the end of the winter 1986 term run by the men's crew team. The 13th running of the mile last year drew about 800 runners and 10,000 spectators, according to Ann Arbor Police Department estimates.

The 14th Annual

The size of crowds often raises concerns about the runners' safety.

Bollinger's efforts were met with praise by Ann Arbor Mayor Ingrid Sheldon. "I thank him very much for taking a leadership role in this," Sheldon said.

Running in the Naked Mile could also have legal ramifications. If convicted of violating state indecent exposure laws, students could face up to a year of jail time, in addition to having to register as a lifetime sex offender.

Peterson said she hopes to work closely with the media this year to ensure that coverage does not create further safety issues.

"I thought the media really got out of hand last year," Peterson said. "We did not think that was helpful."

Sheldon said the Naked Mile brings much more trouble than good to Ann Arbor.

"This is not an event that is perceived by the general public as cute," Sheldon said. "This event brings out some of the worst creatures in southeast Michigan."

Some students who are planning on joining the swarm of runners this year said Bollinger's letter will not affect their decision to participate.

"I think it's a nice gesture and that's about it," LSA senior Bob Stevenson said.

LSA senior Allison Jacobs said Bollinger's letter will come too late to change seniors' minds.

"People have already made their decisions," Jacobs said.

LSA senior Jaclyn Fuchs said sending a letter to students might actually heighten interest in running.

"Whenever the University tries to prevent something, the incidents increase," Fuchs said.

The large crowds during the event add anonymity and tend to lessen safety concerns, said Jessica Mailman, an LSA senior.

"There are so many people, I think I'll be fine," Mailman said, adding that she thinks "the majority of students will just ignore" Bollinger's letter.

Naked Mile

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