It’s been nearly a year since Cuffs began its struggle with the university to keep from being tied down.
In an ironic message of defiance against the university’s decision to sanction the group’s activity, Cuffs is beginning again to tie up its members.
Cuffs President Duane Long Jr., laid out 18- to 25-foot white nylon ropes, a black leather arm restraint, black bondage tape, neon “zip” ties and — of course, the black leather cuffs.
It was a message of disagreement with what the group describes as unreasonable restrictions of its First Amendment rights.
Standing before 13 onlookers Thursday night in the Cardinal Room of the Memorial Union, Long picked up a piece of rope and began to twist, bend, loop, pull and tuck it into a “larks head” knot. He then took the wrist of voluntary member and pulled it through the loop, tugging it to securely bind her wrist. As he worked, he described the various steps and safety procedures to consider.
The scene is similar to another event — the one that began the group’s ordeal with the university judiciary.
Cuffs, a campus organization to safely educate about sadism and masochism, was investigated by the Office of Judicial Affairs after a Nov. 10, 2003 meeting where Long flogged a clothed club member who volunteered for the demonstration.
Director of Judicial Affairs Bethany Schuttinga found Cuffs responsible for assault violations and imposed a sanction on group demonstrations.
Group members appealed to Dean of Students Pete Englin, who upheld the original decision and further appealed to ISU President Gregory Geoffroy, who declined to review the case.
Wednesday, Cuffs took the next step and appealed to the Iowa Board of Regents. Barb Boose, the board’s communications specialist, said the board does not comment on appeals and litigation, citing confidentiality restrictions.
Long said the university based its findings on “misinterpretation and incorrect use of Iowa law.”
The individual Long allegedly assaulted signed written testimony stating she volunteered and her participation could have ended at any time. She also wrote that pain did not occur while Long demonstrated on her and that she did not receive any marks or injuries.
Long has also said that it was not his intent to cause pain. He said publicly before the demonstration that “only the minimal amount of force necessary for the demonstration of safe technique would be used.”
The sanction does not provide a list of prohibited activities, meaning Cuffs may risk further sanction by performing demonstrations at meetings.
Although the university’s sanction states the group cannot perform demonstrations that would violate ISU regulations, state, federal and local law, Long said Thursday’s display was not a violation.
Long invited Schuttinga, Englin and Geoffroy to attend Thursday’s meeting. All three declined, citing previous engagements.
According to e-mailed responses to Long from Schuttinga and Englin, neither indicated Thursday’s demonstration violated the current sanction or that Cuffs would face further judicial action, but Schuttinga reminded the group to abide by the current sanction.
“By this I believe she meant to encourage us not to be overzealous. She did not say we can’t hold the meeting or have demonstrations,” Long said. “We have to choose to limit activities with an eye toward the university’s viewpoint, but we are not going to restrict ourselves to a ridiculous extent. If the university chooses to reduce its viewpoint to a truly ridiculous level, it will serve to weaken their claims.”
He said the bondage presentation was not meant as a direct jab to university officials either.
“I understand it might look that way, but the university has put us in a position that it can’t help but look that way, and that’s not our fault,” Long said. “All we are trying to do is serve our members.”
Englin said he does not expect issues to arise from Thursday’s meeting.
“I’m expecting they will stay within the expectations of the Student Disciplinary Regulations,” he said.
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