Stanford changes annual kissing tradition to reflect concerns of ‘Me Too’ movement

Attendees at Stanford University’s annual “Full Moon on the Quad” event had a set of rules crafted with the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct in mind.

Male seniors have been finding freshman girls to kiss during a full moon since the early 1900s, but this year the atmosphere was changed to reflect the cultural climate.

Organizers did away with a “mouthwash table” that gave off a barroom feel, and dance music was altered to jazz.

“The notion is that regardless of whether it’s a platonic or non-platonic interaction, consent on both sides is really important to know that it’s pleasurable and appreciative for all … Any time something changes a little bit people who have experienced previous iteration of the event, tend to be critical,” one of the organizers, Tashrima Hussein, told a local CBS affiliate on Wednesday.

“The student body hasn’t been particularly critical, saying it’s been watered down. But rather they understand why we’re making the changes that we are,” she said.

Last year also began the practice of exchanging white roses symbolizing gratitude.

“’Me Too’ and ’Time’s Up’ are calling for culture change,” said Carley Flanery, director of the Office of Sexual Assault and Relationship Abuse (SARA), The Stanford Daily reported Wednesday. “The folks behind these movements are demanding the folks in charge no longer ignore their experiences and make real changes. [Consent] doesn’t just happen” at Full Moon on the Quad.