Before anyone is too shocked to recall, my university is located in a neighborhood of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. Therefore, as faculty and students at a university founded by President Lincoln and the first university funded entirely by the U.S. Congress, we are absolutely not permitted to be natural, naked or nude while instructing or delivering lectures. Nor are students permitted to attend classes unclothed.
The above image is used to maintain the theme of ReNude Pride and not to create a myth or rumour concerning a university precedence. Tolerance is a policy at my university but being realistic is also. Far be it from me to be the unwilling source of a mislead! The government is the best suited for that distinction!
Although clothing is required, the academic regimen of the university resumed this week. Whether in a formal lecture hall or in a more traditional classroom, it is now the time for me to set aside my “summer freedom” and return to work in order to prepare another group of students to take over the responsibility of preparing others to come forward and prepare themselves for all their roles in their lives.
Before everyone condemns my university as too restrictive, I do want to remind that although body and clothes freedom is not “officially” endorsed, it also is not outright banned or condemned. I did serve as a nude model for art and photography classes as an undergraduate. That allowance continues today. So freedom isn’t completely forbidden here!
One of the benefits of a university faculty member is that we have the responsibility to honestly convey information to others. My university administration and fellow faculty members have always encouraged any of our same gender loving students as well as those who openly acknowledge their affinity or interest in nudity to share with me and proceed from there. This has presented to me the opportunity to dispel myths and misinformation and to offer guidance and direction towards discovery and guidance. It enables me to enjoy the freedom to make a positive and, hopefully, productive influence in the lives of others.
Granted, the undergraduate interest in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) concerns, issues and topics far exceeds the search for bare practitioner related circumstances, but that is routine. Once students deal with their sexuality, the nude/clothing situation usually is resolved and guidance is sought on an individual rather than group session.
This advisory role, in addition to my professorial duties, gives me satisfaction on the campus/worksite. I feel as though I am serving a constructive and useful purpose not only for each student I interact with but for my colleagues, too! A number have shared with me that I have afforded them the opportunity to serve as mentors to others who seek answers or help.
Officially, nakedness and nudity – at least, publicly, – is not permitted on campus. The same is probably true for the majority of institutions of higher learning throughout the world. However, patience, tolerance and understanding of our roles in guiding the development and formation of our charges (students) has created here an environment that is accepting, beneficial, comfortable and tolerable for all!
Mini-Lesson: Bare Practitioner!
A bare practitioner is a same gender loving person who willingly releases their body, mind and soul of the frustrations, tensions and unnatural compulsions of always having to hide beneath the oppression of clothing. A free spirit, uncensored and uncovered, in a completely natural state!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 11, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Aquatic Antics!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 