University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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l iss-ln ft he annual completion to Queer Visibility week-the Kiss-In-took L place on campus with more support and less opposition than ever before. During past years, crowds of anti-gay protesters intervened in the peaceful gathering; this year the event ran smoothly. The Kiss-In offered lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transsexu- als the chance to come out of the closet on the steps of the Hatcher Graduate Library and publicly display their affection by means of a kiss. Organizers of the Kiss-In stated that LGBT people were not usually wel- come to express affection in public; the event gave the gay community at the University an opportunity to do so without discrimination. Goals of the event included ending University support of the United Way Campaign because of its backing of the Boy Scouts of America, which did not allow homosexual scout leaders. Following the Kiss-In, rally protesters continued their dissent outside the Fleming Administration Building. When they found out the regents were not in the building, they went up to the President ' s office and discussed issues with former Interim President Joseph B. White. Representatives from the Defending Affirmative Action By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) also showed their support for the event. Representative Agnes Aleobua spoke at the rally and emphasized the importance of defending one ' s own beliefs and opinions, whether they concerned sexism, racism, or homophobia. Kara DeBoer an effort to keep a dying tradition alive, a student runs shirtless down XJth University. The 2002 Naked Mile was less than a spectacle. Praux photo nian and his dog, both adorned in hemp necklaces, make their way the Diag for Hash Bash. Hash Bash drew crowds of people and am- ate from places all over the country to rally for the cause of legalizing arijuana. K. Maker photo Holf-MoU Mile Ni aked Mile acquired its name for the abundance of nude runners J j gracing its historical route, which wound from the intersection of Washtenaw and South University and ended somewhere around the Cube next to the Michigan Union. Every year, seniors at the University celebrated their last day of class by streaking through campus. Envious and daring underclassmen joined them on this romp of exhibitionism. While the 2000 Naked Mile featured full-fledged nudity, the following runs had very much toned down. The 2001 jaunt was marred by images of police officers tackling naked students to the pavement. Nine arrests were made for indecent exposure. This year, students received a stern message from the University via e-mail, belittling the event as an embarrassment and again assuring the harshest of consequences for participants. Ever resourceful, determined streakers stripped to various ' decent ' states of undress, from boxer shorts to thongs. The boldest male runners adorned their genitals with socks to deter police intervention. Three arrests were made, but the majority of the group found running in underwear a sensible alternative. Still, LSA junior Zac Peskowitz echoed the sentiments of many when he proclaimed, The Naked Mile was a debacle. It was an unimpressive display. The 2002 Naked Mile drew a crowd of roughly 4000, but they witnessed less than 50 ' naked ' milers. Resolute on continuing the long-standing tradition, these students refused to let authority out-muscle a timeless act of rebellion. Nevertheless, this campaign left students with bleak hopes for a future resurgence. Eric Rajala SPECIAL EVENTS 125

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A little girl by the name of Hannah shows her support for the LGBT community with her chalking of Hannah loves kissing all people. As part of Visibility Week on campus, the kiss-m provided the opportunity for couples to openly display their affections on campus. L. Proux photo Standing among the hemp and marijuana supporters in the Diag, a University policeman regulates the scene. The stricter policies forced vendors to limit what items they could sell and smokers to use their paraphernalia more carefully. K. Maher photo DRUGS Hash 124 MlrllKi { ' ' ash Bash began as a smoke-in, where crowds of people L-gathered on the Diag to unwind after class and celebrate their unique freedom to smoke marijuana on the college campus. Ever since the University got its own police force, however, campus officials enforced state law and prohibited smoking in the public domain. Last year Hash Bash was a product of even more regulations as the city banned vendors from selling on the Diag. Adam Brook organized the event for the last ten years. The event takes place on the first Saturday of April, he said, adding that last year ' s Bash involved issues other than the usual marijuana endorsement. Replacing the vendors on the Diag, many bands performed for the first time in Hash Bash history. The bands participated as part of a memorial for two avid supporters that were killed Labor Day weekend at a nearby farm. State law also limited the Bash to one hour of amplified sound. Last year, as always, the hour was used on Friday for an enthusiastic, raucous rally attracting hundreds to the Ann Arbor area. The city of Ann Arbor is trying to stop the event by enacting more regulations, Brook said. He added though that from the looks of last year ' s attendance, the infamous smoke-in tradition will continue. People just want to relax, he said. And no harm can come from that. Kara DeBoer ENSIAN

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Mopning Showcases mvepsnij part of its 50 states in 50 weeks segment, the popular television show Good Morning America stopped at the University. I think it is completely amazing that we are a top attraction in Michigan, and I believe this will bring great exposure to our campus, said sophomore French major Stephon Proctors. The 23rd top on Goo d Morning America ' s cross-country tour highlighted University traditions in Ann Arbor, including pre-football game tailgating and the masses of Michigan fans on Football Saturdays. There ' s nothing like a Michigan Football game, host Charlie Gibson said in the telecast. Another addition to Good Morning America ' s broadcast was the marching band. It was really cool, I introduced the band and then we all got to yell ' Good Morning America. ' I believe that it was key to choose Ann Arbor on their tour since the University and its students have been instrumental in defining America ' s ' ideal college town, ' said senior engineering major Matt Cavanaugh. At 8:30 a.m. in the morning of October 4, students gathered at Colonial Lanes to enjoy karaoke and speak to co-host Alex Cambert. For viewers watching the segment on ABC, the University became the icon of Michigan as a great college filled with pride and dedicated students. Jennifer Lee With open arms or guitar in hand. Caetano Veloso proved to be an outstanding performer. Veloso was one of many showcased artists to appear at the Michigan Theater in 2002, making it a great year tor Culture and entertainment S. Tedjasukmana photo 126 MlCHK ENSIAN