Complaint doesn't stop NOD

---

by Angelique Siy

---

This year's NOD was attended by approximately 1,000 to 1,200 people, according to coordinators Evan Cone and Mackenzie Frost.

"It seemed like everyone had a good time. It felt pretty weird to be on [the coordinating] side of NOD, though," Cone said. "There were more people inside and dancing than usual, and the theme was good. Scamtasia meant that you'd never feel the same way about Disney."

Rumors surrounding this year's NOD are mostly unfounded. While it is true that an informal complaint was filed regarding sexually explicit decorations in the Wiess Commons, the matter was resolved without further conflict.

Dean of Students Sarah Burnett said, "When we have informal complaints, the person just wants the offending behavior to cease. It's usually something we can easily resolve."

According to the sexual harassment policy in the 1995-96 Rice University Student Handbook, "examples of the kinds of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to ... sexually suggestive objects, pictures, videotapes, audio recordings or literature, placed in the work or study area, that may embarrass or offend individuals. Such material if used in an educational setting should be related to educational purposes."

By this definition, University Attorney Shirley Redwine indicated that formal charges of sexual harassment could be filed.

In this case, Wiess social coordinators Evan Cone and Mackenzie Frost simply had to cover up the offending posters in the Wiess Commons and post signs on all commons doors stating that there was graphic material inside.

"As far as I know, that was enough to make them happy," Frost said.

There are several reports of students taken to the hospital during the night of the event although it is not certain that these cases are related to NOD at all.

"I know the paramedics were called to come to campus, but we are unaware of what the diagnosis was for that call," Frost said. "I have no idea what that situation was. I get to hear whatever happens on the night of NOD, but there's no way to know what the whole story is."

Director of Student Activities Sarah Nelson Crawford speculated that pre-NOD parties may have contributed to these incidents.

"From what I know, there were several pre-parties before NOD where alcohol was served," Crawford said.

"There was also Jones College Night. These things could make it easy for underage students to drink before NOD."

Frost was also positive about the aftermath of NOD. "Overall, I'm very pleased with the party in general. There were no major security problems. Wiess made sure it was a safe party. Even the Chief of Police was impressed with what was done by Security. We proved it was possible to have a fun and safe party," she said.

This item appeared in the News section of the November 3, 1995 issue.

Copyright © 1996 The Rice Thresher. All Rights Reserved.
This document may be distributed electronically, provided that it is distributed in its entirety and includes this notice. However, it cannot be reprinted without the express written permission of:
The Rice Thresher, Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005-1892, USA.