In response to the Student Life Referral issued by the University of Houston Police Department of Violations; Disruption/Obstruction 3.2 and Failure to Comply 3.16. The summary of the violation lacks details to the event in which took place on May 8th, 2008 at approximately 12:20am.

In a brief explanation of the unfolding of the events, contact with the University of Houston Police Department was made by Trey Stewart in regards to what was going to take place; it was made clear that no interest of the PD was carried in what was going on nor was anything in regards to permits and approval that had to be given by the University. At 11:30pm we arrived at the University with water and trash bags to set up for the Undie Run. Approximately 12:05am, the female bike patrol officer, Officer Ballard, approached us stating that we had not gained proper approval for the event. At this point I informed her that my co-coordinator had spoken with the police department earlier in the day and we werent aware of the procedure and approval we had to gain. She then called in to her supervisor, who was the Lt. on duty. He was called out and arrived on scene at approx. 12:20am where I informed him that this event was for charity and that we were unaware of the prior procedures that were necessary. He stated that we could still do the run however in the proper undergarments. Undergarments are defined as clothes worn under other clothes, often next to the skin. They keep outer garments from being soiled by perspiration, shape the body and provide support for parts of it, and in cold climates help the wearer to keep warm. Special types of undergarments have religious significance. Some items of clothing are designed as underwear, while others such as T-shirts and certain types of shorts are appropriate both as undergarments and as outer clothing. If made of suitable material, some undergarments can serve as nightwear or swimsuits. What was most disturbing is these so called undergarments that some of the students were in, were no less than jog or gym wear that is worn around the college; such as sports bras and jogging shorts. So I then informed the crowd of students that I did not want anyone to receive any tickets or violations and therefore it was up to them as to what they wanted to do. And was clear some still wanted to make the run if anything and make the contribution as they had intended. Shortly after the crowd dispersed I could see police cars speeding around campus as what I viewed an overreaction and misappropriation of manpower was used. As stated by an unnamed University student, it's almost sickening that they took THAT much police action over a friendly run, yet people are getting robbed in the parking lots. Priorities not found. When I arrived at the University Police Station I was put in an interrogation room for 20 minutes and then held in a holding cell with the rest of the parties involved for over 2 hours, where we all had to wait to be processed individually. During that time Officer Ballard continued to carry an attitude and harsh tone. At the end of processing the Student Life Referrals we then were read a statement of how not to be victims of crime and were released. Also please note on the Student Life Referral document there was a false telephone number in which was supposed to be contacted within three school days. I spent 2 hours the next morning attempting to contact the number that was issued on the statement, then one student looked up online and stated they had given us the wrong telephone number contact for the Administrator.

I do not believe that the situation was handled to the best of the extent especially in the tone and manner carried by the female police officer as well as the LT. I do not condone the actions of the individuals who participated or myself however wish the proper approval had been taken to have a successful and problem free event.

The basis for this event has been carried on several University Campuses; CSU, University City, UC Davis, ASU, UCSB, SDSU, UT and is quickly spreading around to other Universities. At these campuses the following supportive attached information is supplemental and important to the case incident of ours.

The purpose of the event was to have fun while at the same time helping a charitable cause. So many times at Universities, parties take place with drugs and alcohol and for other non-constructive purposes. Yet myself as well as the other students involved intended to have a fun run and at the same time donate some clothes to the Houston Community Foundation. On the event website and invitations it was made clear in a disclaimer: By participating in The Undie Run you are leaving yourself solely responsible for your actions. Also, the Undie Run does NOT express any views or have any direct affiliation with the universities involved. With this being said and in mind, although the universities have no direct affiliation, most if not all support the charitable event and also have police support to back them.

After reviewing the case by we, the students, hope to come out to some resolution and understanding that no issues were intended other than a fun event in which students could make donations to a charitable cause in a way such that is motivating if not fun in itself. We are not promoting being naked or in thongs, we are promoting clothes being donated. As stated by one of the students, I would have not donated clothes prior to this event taking place. Sometimes it takes the right motivation for a student or person to give to a charitable cause especially in a day where so many people are asking for donations.

Therefore we the undersigned acknowledge and support the participants in the University of Houston Undie Run and support their good intentions for the charity event. We understand the basis for this event was carried out with good heart at mind and with other Universities around the United States doing the same. Taking action against these individuals would clearly send the wrong message to college students at the University and other campuses.