University to professors: If students try to attend Zoom calls naked, you're required to report them

If you attend Indiana University where students are distance learning during the coronavirus pandemic and you have an urge to attend your Zoom calls in your birthday suit, you should know that the administration just won't have it.

The Indiana Daily Student, the university's student newspaper, reported last week that the school's leaders sent an email to professors warning them that some students might hop on to Zoom calls for online classes completely in the buff. The message told instructors to report any instances of in-class virtual nudity.

School spokesman Chuck Carney told the paper that reporting the nudity had a dual purpose. First, showing up to class sans clothing is reportedly a violation of the university's Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct. Second, nude class attendance might be a sign that a student is suffering psychological distress.

Carney said the email was sent to the Media School with instruction from Student Affairs, but noted that the guidance applies to every instructor at the university.

He added that all students who choose to expose themselves during online classes could be suspended or expelled because "it's considered sexual harassment."

And if a student thinks he can get away with showing off his goods simply because he's at home, well, think again.

According to Carney, video classes are considered Indiana University property during class, so the school can and will treat offenses as if they had happened on campus.

Every student reported for a nudity offense will be "psychologically evaluated on a case-by-case basis," the paper reported. If students need help coping, the school will attempt to get them the help they need.

The school also wants students who notice nudity during Zoom calls to report their fellow students.