Renn Fayre Czar Statement

Dear Student Body,

The Renn Fayre Czars would like to clarify recent questions regarding medical care and harm reduction services this year at Renn Fayre. Our main priority is to ensure the safety, care, and well-being of all students throughout Renn Fayre. Due to current service needs, logistical efforts, and budget constraints, the Czars initiated a review of medical service providers at the start of our term. After careful consideration, we have decided not to move forward with White Bird as our primary medical service provider this year and instead pursue a contract with a local team: On Site EMS & Rescue (OSEMSR or OSEM for short).

We remain deeply appreciative of White Bird; this decision is not a reflection of their impact or mission. White Bird has been a valued partner in supporting Renn Fayre and the Reed community for decades. We deeply appreciate their longstanding contributions, including providing critical medical and behavioral health services, professional opportunities for students, and meaningful care. However, White Bird’s services, while highly respected, required extensive logistical planning to provide their team with travel, housing, and food services, lacked the flexibility in services required for this year, and represented a substantial portion of the total Renn Fayre budget (more than 30%). 

In light of these factors, we have chosen to work with OSEMSR, a local organization that offers flexible, customizable services tailored specifically to Renn Fayre. Their support will include on-site EMTs and paramedics stationed at all high-risk events, a dedicated medical clinic tent, and a pre-Renn Fayre medical training session available to all students. OSEMSR shares our commitment to harm reduction and community-centered care while also emphasizing the minimization of law enforcement presence. 

This decision was made fully by the Renn Fayre Czars with the full support of the Renn Fayre committee (made up of 13+ Reed staff and administration members as well as Student Senate members). We value input from the student body and broader community and are committed to transparent, thoughtful decision-making. Our goal is to balance the accessibility, sustainability, and creativity of Renn Fayre as a student-run tradition that is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all. If you would like to know more information, please reach out to us via email: rennfayre@reed.edu or visit us during our office hours!