Professional Integrity!

In all likelihood, I am in the same situation of the overwhelming majority of us: I have to work in order to live. Unfortunately, my job as a university professor is unable to allow me to fulfill my obligations in my true role as a bare practitioner. Hence, the “header image” (photograph) above!

Luckily, there exists no officially mandated “standard of attire” (dress code) for the academic faculty. We are all encouraged to maintain “professional integrity” as representatives of the university. Our physical appearance and personal behavior are expected at all times to comply with the university’s established guidelines and mission statements – as determined by the U.S. Congress. This institution has a congressional charter to function.

As an alumnus of this same university, many of my colleagues are aware that as an undergraduate, I worked on an “as needed” basis as a nude model for art and photography classes with the School of Art. At the time, my supervisor (as an undergraduate model) was also a member of the adjunct faculty with the school.

As a member of the faculty at my university, I am cognizant of my role as an educator and a university representative. Under no circumstances do I allow my professional duties and responsibilities to conflict with my personal preference towards clothes freedom and same gender love. My colleagues and students are aware of my spouse, Aaron, and of our exogamy.

As a matter of fact, there is a naked profile photograph of me hanging in the reception office in the School of Art. The name plate attached to the frame gives my name as the posing model. I was among the first undergraduate models to pose when the photography curriculum was added to the School of Art in the 1980’s.

When the picture was first hung in the School of Art, I signed a paper granting the university permission to display the image. Later, when I joined the faculty, I also affixed my signature to another document granting the university the determination to utilize the photo in whatever manner they wished.

Unfortunately, my employment institution isn’t quite as committed to integrity as I am. It was recently brought to my attention that this past Spring semester, during the coronavirus crisis, the university administrative office conducted an investigation into my photograph and my extra-curricula clothes freedom lifestyle.

Rumors had been that the academic administration was investigating the use of nude art in general and picture images in particular. At no time did anyone approach me as to the concerns of the administration or my knowledge of the origins of the aforementioned photo. I only was officially informed that my name and reputation had been “cleared” of any suspicious connection when I received a letter from the School of Art addressed to the results of the investigation the first week of this month.

At no time during the period of the actual investigation did anyone from the administration advise me of the ongoing situation or request any specific information from me. The dean of my own school here at the university had no knowledge that an assessment was even underway. Evidently, the former presidential administration in this country set the guidelines for the holding of secretive and unprecedented exploration of internal affairs for educational institutions as well as public government.

To date, I have received no official response to my written request for the results of the inquiry into my past. So much for the concept of “transparency!” If I maintain a semblance of decency and integrity about my professional obligations, I expect nothing less from my esteemed colleagues of my university and especially of the faculty administration!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, November 8, 2021, and the proposed topic is: “Armistice/Remembrance!”