UCLA students stripped of Undie Run

July 30, 5:29 PMLA Headlines ExaminerTad Cronn

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What's got their panties in a knot?

UCLA officials allegedly worried about costs have told students they will have to drop their drawers and forgo the quarterly Undie Run, a venerable Bruin tradition dating to all the way back to 2002 that helps break up the stress of finals week.

Administrators complain the event, which usually draws thousands of scantily clad participants, costs too much and has led to fights, vandalism and "alcohol-related emergencies" -- in other words, it's become a big party.

In a statement, Dean of Students Robert Naples said, "While we regret having to call off the run in the future, we must ensure the safety of our students and the community and also look after UCLA's relationships with our neighbors."

The expense of the event has grown over the years, according to the statement, and includes paying for police and fire personnel to stand by during the festivities, which take place on the Wednesday of each quarter's finals week.

The next run was planned for December.

Student leaders have said they won't stand for the naked assault on their liberties and will fight to reinstate the run.

The UCLA Daily Bruin quoted undergraduate student government General Representative Addison Huddy saying, "The bottom line is that many, many UCLA students love this event. It's becoming part of our culture, part of our school spirit."

Eliminating the event without warning is a disservice to students, Huddy added. "It's something students want, and as an elected official, I'm going to fight," he said.