Gateway

Issue date: 9/7/07 Section: News

Some students also participated in a different "Banana Hammock run" last October. (photo by Patrick Doty) [Click to enlarge]

On Aug. 30, junior Chris Massara was detained by Campus Security for disorderly, lewd, indecent and or obscene conduct as defined by the UNO code of conduct.

His crime? Running through campus while wearing what can only be defined as a man-thong.

The incident occurred during UNO's "Welcome Week" Clubs and Organizations Fair, when Massara and several other male students made a recreational jog through the middle of the fair, all sporting man-thongs.

According to the Facebook.com event description created by Massara, "The Real Back to School Banana Hammock Run" was "an event held by UNO students where a group of males run in thongs across the UNO campus between [Roskens Hall] and the Belltower."

Massara continued, "The banana hammock run is about making UNO a bit more interesting and expressing oneself in as sexy a way as possible without getting arrested."

During the event, Massara and several cohorts were making their run when they passed by the office of Kent Lavene, the judicial officer of Student Affairs.

"Kent heard the yelling, ran outside and yelled at us to stop. He told us that if we didn't stop, he would call the police," said Massara.

Shortly after, Campus Security arrived on the scene.

Paul Kosel, assistant manager of Campus Security, said there was no report made for the incident.

"We were just told to stop them for Kent [Lavene]," said Kosel.

Massara and one other student were stopped by Campus Security. Both students were referred for disciplinary action, which was to be decided by Lavene.

Lavene declined comment, citing federal privacy laws.

Massara said there were several articles of the Student Code of Conduct that were being held against him including articles 1E, and 10A and B.

Under article 1E, Physical and Verbal Aggressive or Abusive Behavior is outlined as "Disorderly, lewd, indecent or obscene conduct, including the expression of such on University-owned or controlled property or at University-sponsored or supervised events."

Article 10, "Disruption of University Business" is also being applied to Massara's case.

"…Disruption or obstruction of teaching, … Leading or inciting others to materially and substantially disrupt or obstruct teaching, research, administration, or other University functions…"

Massara said he believes the administration is being unfair and possibly infringing on his civil rights.

"Personally, I do think it is an infringement of free speech. … It was supposed to be a positive thing to raise spirit," said Massara. "The student code is very broad."

Massara is currently talking with Lavene to come to a final disciplinary course of action to be decided at a later date.

According to the Code of Conduct, students who violate the policy could face a written reprimand, disciplinary probation, suspension or even expulsion.

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