What started out as "stress relief" has turned into two nights of terror, where women across campus worry about their safety instead of their studies.

The Mifflin Streak begins Sunday, when men traditionally travel to dorm complexes to encourage women to expose themselves. Monday night, women are expected to do the same to men.

The streak is not harmless stress relief. For many innocent people on campus, it is harassment.

Harrassment, whether by an individual or a group, leaves a person feeling like less than an individual. Women who have suffered from any kind of abuse often end up reliving their painful experiences.

And the streak not only demeans both men and women; it causes damage to University property and places a heavy burden on police to try to control the mob.

The streak's length and participation has decreased in the past few years. This may be due to Residence Life placing all resident assistants on duty and writing up people viewing the event from their windows. Although this may seem harsh, disciplinary action may prove to be an effective way of reducing the size of the mob and could eventually eliminate the streak altogether.

Because leaving campus to avoid the streak may not be an option, students should seek other creative ways to relieve stress. Men can help by refusing to join in the mass hysteria. Women can do their part by closing their windows and doors. Womyn's Concerns is also sponsoring a candlelight vigil for people opposed to the streak.

By working against the Mifflin Streak this year, students can play a role in ending the tradition altogether.