Don’t let tradition lose its free spirit

UCLA’s fine traditions are depleted by the problem of
administrators and student leaders who are not in touch with the
undergraduate population (“Concerns raised over Undie
Run,” News, Nov. 3).

The Undie Run has quickly become one of the more popular events
on campus, despite the concerns that different organizations have
with the event.

Health and safety issues are very important. However, I think
that these concerns might very well end this UCLA tradition.

UCLA is a great school already filled with many traditions, such
as our rivalry with USC and the harmless distinction between North
and South Campus students.

Lately, however, different power structures within the
university have forced students to stop holding traditional events
because they are worried about what might happen.

As a freshman, I participated in Black Sunday. It was a fun,
great way to introduce new students like me to something that many
students before me had enjoyed. There were even some sober students
who enjoyed themselves at one fraternity’s foam party.

I know of many students who were disappointed ““ myself
included ““ when they found out the Interfraternity Council
had voted to suspend the annual event.

As a result, some students will never know how fun Black Sunday
could be.

I remember the first year of the Undie Run. It became a
tradition after its third quarter of existence because of the
increased positive response from the undergraduate student
population.

I participated in the Undie Run during my senior year. It was a
fun, liberating experience and a great way to cap off my college
career.

Lewdness or unacceptable behavior from other participants were
not problems for me or many other runners; many students were there
to release some tension from studying and to enjoy themselves.

Berky Nelson, director of the Center for Student Programming,
was quoted as having said, “The key to closing down Black
Sunday was not the administration, it was the students.” I do
not think this comment is true.

I believe there were pressures from the university
administration on the students who decided to vote against
continuing Black Sunday.

Joe Vardner, the USAC Facilities Commissioner, said about the
Undie Run committee’s purpose, “Since it is a campus
event, the entire campus should be able to have a say.”

The article mentioned that the Facilities Commission has tried
to communicate and work with the founders of the Undie Run, but
that they have failed to establish a direct working
relationship.

Maybe this failure is because the people who established it know
that their cooperation will lead to pressure and control over
something that is meant to be fun and support UCLA’s
traditions.

It might even spell out the end of this event.

I hope this new committee will not force another UCLA tradition
to die.

What’s next: will the bonfire during Beat ‘SC week
be cancelled because of concerns of a possible fire hazard?

Let’s not turn UCLA into a school without any
traditions.

That will not be living up to the Bruin spirit.