Senate Beat has HARD Conversations
Highlights and action items: Admin has warned Weapons of Mass Distraction (WMD) about potential legal repercussions in response to a nude performance organized during Spring/Fall. Senate members and WMD are currently working with the school to find a middle ground and resolve the issue.
The meeting began at 4:10pm with Student Body President Andrew Happy ’27 detailing how conversations continue around the Residential College Implementation model and its future at Reed College. He then moved to discuss how the Student Union Apartment cannot be used as a residential space but that alternative options are being discussed. Finally, he mentioned that, since Signator training has now been completed, some committees’ work is now able to properly begin.
Vice President Taylor Barth ’27 then reported that he has recently met with an alumni representative and that voting on top choices for commencement speakers is currently underway. He then reported that applications for orientation week positions like ISS mentors and OWLs will be opening soon. He ended by sharing some information about a physical education fund for students on financial aid.
Senator Enzo Lawrence ’28 reported that he was in conversations about AOD policy and goals for the semester. He reported that he is still waiting for a Renn Fayre committee meeting and that the Title IX Committee is seeking to make updates to the Title IX code.
Senator Stella Greer ’29 reported that she was currently waiting for meetings to occur, including the upcoming CPPC meeting.
Vice Treasurer Bella Reyes ’27 reported that the first Financial Committee meeting would take place after the public session.
Assistant Treasurer Al McKee ’29 had no new updates.
Head Treasurer Maya Gutierrez ’27 reported that the funding poll has been released and that this Friday is the deadline for clubs to submit their budgets. Gutierrez also reported that she and Happy had recently met with the Student Life Committee to discuss friendship flags.
Senator Alastair Budd ’27 had no new updates.
Senator Justin Sotomayor ’27 had no new updates.
Senator Sima Fasihi ’28 reported that the Title IX Committee is currently discussing making changes to their hearing format, revolving around questions of whether Reed should continue to perform live hearings or instead move toward a response hearing format, as they did before the reversion back to 2020 guidelines. Fasihi emphasized that students should feel free to reach out to the Title IX Committee if they have strong feelings or suggestions about this decision. Fasihi also reported that the senate had been given a draft of next year’s HUM 110 syllabus, which will be published in the Quest soon.
Senator Sofie Braunstein ’28 reported that there is an upcoming meeting of the Accessibility Committee. She reported that CARDS planned their engagement event for the semester and that it is currently scheduled to occur around midterms. She reported that there is an upcoming Reed Union Meeting to discuss free speech as it pertains to the Honor Code. She also reported that the Residency College Implementation Committee was in conversation about ways to bring greater equity to campus as it pertains to breaking down social, emotional, and psychological barriers, particularly for students of color living on campus.
All members were present besides Manoel Pereira Lopes ’28.
Happy then opened the floor to the audience. Maggie Feinberg ’28 asked senators what the steps they were taking regarding an issue concerning nudity in WMD performances. A discussion then ensued, revolving around potential legal issues that may arise from continuing to allow nudity at campus events. The issue was borne out of a nude performance that WMD hopes to hold outdoors in the amphitheatre, which is right next to the bridge that many underclassmen cross to return to their dorms at the end of the day.
WMD’s plan has resulted in pushback from the school’s Risk Management team and the Office of Student Engagement (OSE), however. Specifically, April Sams, head of Risk Management, and Janice Yang of the OSE argued that hosting a fully nude event would violate city and state laws. Specifically, they cited the Portland City code 14A.40.030, which states that it is illegal for any individual to expose their genitals in a public place or any area visible from a public place, regardless of one’s sex or gender identity. However, there are exceptions for breastfeeding individuals. There were also concerns about the event's location, since parts of the amphitheatre could still be seen from the canyon, where non-Reedie community members often spend their time. Sams stated that even though Reed College is on private property, if people were to walk past the school on a public street and witness nudity as part of an event, it could raise potential legal concerns. Additionally, some Reed students are still minors, and other of-age students may not want to be exposed to nudity. Sams explained that if an “individual feels like the experience is unwelcome,” then the school “could be exposed to Title IX violations as well.”
In response to a possible compromise in which WMD performers could cover up with “swimwear”-style clothing, Feinberg asked by what metrics risk management would deem a particular item or style “swimwear.” Sams replied that the risk management office was not in the business of policing anyone’s attire and that they would make such decisions on a case-by-case basis, both regarding appropriate attire and future nude events. In addition, Sams said that she, Yang, and the rest of the team would work to develop a written policy aligned with the Student Constitution. Happy raised the question of how Portland handles nude city traditions, such as the Naked Bike Ride. Sams responded that the Naked Bike ride is “just one event and there’s probably a handful of others that they kind of just turn a blind eye to,” although they believe Portland law enforcement has “very strict regulations around nudity and public setting.”
At 4:57pm, the meeting was adjourned, making for an impressively long Senate Public. Next week’s Senate Public will take place at 4:10pm in the SU, like clockwork. Attend and give your thoughts on nudity at Reed, if you so wish.