Reed College is investigating a complaint that alleges a long-running tradition at the beginning of fall classes -- which this year involved some naked students -- may create a hostile learning environment for sexual-assault victims.

In an email sent Tuesday afternoon to Reed students, faculty and staff, Reed President John Kroger disclosed the investigation and complaint from an unidentified school community member alleging a violation of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. The law prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity that receives federal funding.

The complaint, filed with the school, stems from the annual ritual that takes place before the first lecture of the college's Humanities 110 class, a required course for all freshmen, said Reed spokesman Kevin Myers.

Each fall for about the past decade, he said, juniors and seniors gather outside the building to demand that freshmen offer up "libations" for the gods. The students pour some of their coffee or beverage on the ground in return for the gods' granting them good luck for the coming academic year.

This year, while some students were dressed as gods, others were naked -- although students have come naked in previous years as well, Myers said. In his email, Kroger noted that the students were also yelling and gesticulating, and freshmen could not enter the building without encountering them, he wrote.

"I am sure the students in question believed they were engaged in harmless fun," Kroger wrote. "Unfortunately, the conduct of the nude students caused deep distress to some members of our community. These community members suggest that forcing prior victims of sexual assault to pass through this gauntlet in order to enter a classroom creates a hostile educational and work environment."

Once the college completes its investigation, it will take whatever steps it believes are needed to ensure a safe environment for students and employees, he wrote.

"The central challenge of community existence is for members of the community to learn how to exercise their freedom in ways that do not impinge upon the rights of or cause harm to others," he wrote. "All of us must remember that what appears to one community member to be a moment of liberating expression may be highly offensive to another person with different experiences or a different cultural background."

In the past, Reed's

by students and faculty, triggering changes at the school. In addition, Reed has just approved final revisions to its policy on discriminatory harassment and sexual misconduct.

-- Helen Jung