Public Displays of Affection

Public Displays of Affection (PDA), including excessive kissing, holding, and pretty much anything further that shows adoration, love, or affection, were completely outlawed according to CTY rules. However, it turns out that it's very hard to enforce PDA rules when you've got several hundred sexually deprived teenagers all in one place. PDA rules are thus subject to alteration over the years, and students are constantly looking for ways around these rules.

Depending on the administration and the residential staff, PDA rule enforcement can be incredibly harsh, or mild and sometimes jocular. RA's are often seen patrolling dances with a stuffed toy, a flashlight, or a plastic bat, separating students who are dancing too close (the RA's themselves will sometimes pointedly dance far apart from each other; alternately, they will do the precise opposite). In better years, more lenient RA's might make a show out of turning their backs on students for several seconds at a time. In contrast to res staff, instructional staff tend not to involve themselves as much with PDA rules.

Most PDA at CTY is fairly public, but it would be a rare year if something of greater scale happened than making out for extended periods (but, then again, the rules are for Public, not Private, Displays of Affection). Regarding this, as one RA put it: "All clothing should remain in place. And it's no excuse if he/she shows up naked."

Lancaster

Brief hugging is acceptable, leading to the well-circulated joke "Ten seconds and you're pregnant!" Three-second closed-mouth kissing is also acceptable. In 06.1, the standard of "It's not PDA if a mother can do it to a child without it being incest" was popularized by Molly Brean and circulated among the students.

The rule is possibly the result of arguably over-the-top behavior at Lancaster in 1985, but may have evolved independently at multiple sites over time.

Modern History

In 2001, a list of "Don'ts" was published on all hall bulletin boards, featuring "No guys on girl halls or girls on guy halls." Seizing on the double negative, students claimed that this rule would be violated if there were a guys' hall that didn't have a girl on it or a girls' hall that didn't have a guy on it. The wording of this rule was soon changed. At Lancaster, however, two of the actions that can lead to expulsion are still "No males on female halls," and "No females on male halls." All the other actions are listed as verbs.

In 2006, many new PDA rules were created and enforced. These new rules included: no holding hands, no linking arms, no hugging for more than three seconds, no open-mouth kissing, no grinding, no slow dancing less than half a foot apart (a.k.a. "Six Inches!"), and "keeping hands above the equator". The more absurd of these rules were only intermittently enforced, such as hand-holding and arm-linking, thereby creating a chance to form "PDA Chains." After a call to (or from; details are uncertain) JHU, made after one student petitioned (Molly Brean) and parents duly complained, the administration decided to change some of the more ridiculous rules, notably the hand-holding rule. However, students were not informed of this change and many staff found out only after a long delay. Donna Dougherty, an elementary school teacher who had no experience handling sexually deprived teenagers (or, it is likely, things like puppies or air or bedsheets), is still considered one of Lancaster's worst site directors.

See also: The Lancaster Hall of Shame.

The worst of these rules had passed by second session, but a "no lying on the grass" rule was introduced. Enforcement depended on the RA. Some RAs appeared confused by the new limits. Frank Wang informed a particular couple that there was "No... lying... on the... uh, grass..." as if he didn't know what that green plant covering the ground was.

Era of the Grass Orgy Ban

The next year, with the advent of Site Director Brian, most of the Donna-induced craziness had worn off. RAs were much more lax about PDA, breaking up only the most serious of PDA infractions. The primary cause of complaint in 2007 was the banning of grass orgies. Brian chalked this down to Baltimore's fear of trampling; however, popular belief was that this rule arose out of worries about nomenclature.

An odd message appeared on the paper that the RAs read off of at one of the hall meeting, stating, "One butt per seat, one face per face." The phrase "one face per face" caused an excessive amount of confusion amongst the students, but an RA later confirmed that it simply means a student is not allowed to rip the face off of another student and tape it onto his/her own. Towards the end of session, RA Jeremy, after (correctly) suspecting illicit activities going on in a circle, broke up said circle mercilessly and placed a (completely unofficial) ban on standing in circles for the remainder of the session. He attempted first to observe the students' activities by standing in the middle of the circle, but nothing prevented those behind him from covertly making out. This scenario can only indicate that, being as clever as they are, CTY students will forever find ways to outsmart the PDA rules.

Image of LAN PDA Rules

The grass orgy ban was informally lifted in 2008 (although the administration, led by Site Director Debbie and DRL Matt, took an official stance that grass orgies would always be illegal). In Session 2, all co-ed lounges were closed, and a number of students were punished, due to a hickey circle discovered in one lounge (although Schnader lounge was closed not because of PDA, but rather, a watermelon*). Arguably, student violations of PDA rules may have gone too far in 2008, in the case of rumors of two students stripping entirely towards the end of a rendition of the CTY Chant after Passionfruit. Milder stripping to the chant also occurred, mostly in the form of top-removal (bras stayed on).

• This begs for clarification: Somebody got really mad and smashed a watermelon all over the lounge, so it was closed for cleanup.

In 2009.1, grass orgies were banned again, due to Baltimore's "safety concerns," and the RAs enforced the rule very strictly. Lying next to or on top of someone on the grass was also forbidden. Grass orgies, as usual, were held on the first and last days of session. In addition, there was one very strange rule that prohibited hugging for more than three seconds between anyone. A joke spread through the camp saying that hugging for more than three seconds was what got guys pregnant, as everyone at CTY knew that hugging does not get girls pregnant. Hand-holding and short closed-mouth kisses were still allowed.

Carlisle

2005

05.1: PDA rules were enforced by about half the RAs, while the other half didn't care. Making out during "Stairway to Heaven" was allowed. An activity entitled "PDA" disappointed many a couple when it proved to be nothing sexier than cleaning up the campus.

05.2: Nothing besides hand holding was accepted. NOTHING.

2006

06.1 and 2: PDA at Carlisle in both sessions of 2006 was pretty much dependent on the RA. Slow-dancing was acceptable regardless of distance, although RAs would be watching for couples who were making out or violating higher PDA rules.

Before the last dance, the administration announced that any couple dancing "suggestively" would be put into time out, 5 minutes for the first hour, 15 for the second hour and the rest of the dance if after 10:00. This rule was enforced depending on the RA. Some couples/foursomes/sixsomes were warned repeatedly and not put in the penalty box while some couples where never warned and put in the penalty box right away. Being in the penalty box warranted both a time out and an official write-up, such that it was noted in the student's permanent record.

2007

(Fill in if you went)

2008

08.1 Most of the RA's ignored the PDA rules, and would just walk away and comment on "how cute young love is"- or, less kindly, how the two of them were never going to see each other again after CTY and how the would break up etc. Many couples would make out during Meet Market, fittingly in the Nook of Debauchery (coughElaineandGrantcough). As for slow dancing, they didn't enforce the six inches rule at all. In fact, they took pictures of people slow dancing reaaaallly close together and showed them at closing ceremonies (although arguably, it was two girls in one of the cases, which apparently made it non-sexual. Even though they both were lesbians). Grass orgies were accepted, as were spontaneous massages in the Nook of Debauchery.

08.2 PDA rules weren't enforced that much. If an RA caught you making out during a dance or Meet Market, they would just tell you to stop, or walk away after you did stop. Flashlights were used to locate couples but other than that, the RAs didn't really care. There was no problem with "distance" during slow-dancing, as long as you weren't making out. The only time you really get in trouble for making out is if you're on the dance floor. Grinding, or any other "suggestive" dancing was banned and announced before the first dance. Although you could grind/hump and the RAs wouldn't stop you if you didn't make a big show of it. But if you did, or got caught for other acts, you would get kicked out of the dance for an amount of time depending on what time it was[look at '06 rules. that was enforced from the beginning >.<]The RAs didn't care if you had your arm around someone, or the other way around, but refused to let you sit on other's laps or use another person's legs as a legrest. Hand-holding wasn't an issue though.

Saratoga Springs (Skidmore)

2005: SRA Felicia brought Tater to CTY. Tater was a stuffed potato who was stuck on the end of a stick and was used to separate overly-intimate slowdancing, thus the phrase "Leave room for Tater." In 06.2, the first Saturday Mandatory Fun was called "Where's Tater." One of the staff members had supposedly stolen Tater and the activity was to solve puzzles to find out who did it. The original plan included more activities than puzzle solving, but it rained that day so the RAs had to make up puzzles while the students were watching Inspector Gadget. In the end, it turned out SRA Manan had stolen Tater and he was returned. There was no rejoicing.

06.1: There was to be no lying on the grass on top of each other, which resulted, contrarily, in stummy lays. Anything else was either accepted or ignored by the RAs as long as they could "see the light" between slowdancing or grinding couples.

07.1: The RAs were generally unconcerned with PDA, and it was rarely mentioned. There was never an official proclamation made on PDA. Grinding and slow-dancing were permitted or at least ignored with no distance requirements. Making out also took place, and only very rarely did RAs interfere. Note: Some, though not all, CTYers were made aware of the rule that any laying down in the grass had to be perpendicular to other students. Parallel lying was forbidden. This made stummy lays entirely possible.

07.2: No one was caught when they were actually doing something... sketchy. Stummy lays were allowed because the RAs didn't notice. Obviously slow dancing was allowed.

08.1: Stummy lays were allowed as usual. The most notable of PDA changes was the absence of Tater, who went visiting another site. RA's at dances had to be creative, and thus very cheesy, using things according to theme such as, at the 4th of July dance, the use of flags and the phrase "Leave room for freedom." It must be noted, however, that often, close slowdancing and making out at dances went mostly unnoticed. Few unlucky couples were caught. Also, grinding was allowed; at the last dance, a very obvious and long grind-chain was formed, and went on for a considerable amount of time with no administrative interruption.

Loudonville (Siena)

04.1: The RA that was called the "Makeout Nazi" was duct taped to a lamppost after winning the privilege on Casino Night, and couples lined up to make out in front of him. Same PDA rules as usual.

04.2: The "no PDA" rule was enforced pretty much all the time, except at dances, where nobody seemed to care about making out or grinding.

05.1 and 2: Grinding rarely occurred at dances, but due more to lack of interest than prohibition. Lying down on the grass was prohibited, although RAs enforced this rule with variable consistency.

06.1 and 2: No lying on the grass fully reclined or, as was the common joke, you'll be making CTY babies. However, RAs would deliberately turn away when they saw couples making out.

07.1: No lying on the grass because of "health reasons." This was very heavily enforced, but some people got away with it. There was a lot of making out at the dances and at night. Holding hands, various forms of hugging, and cuddling seemed to be okay. On the last day girls and guys were allowed in each other's dorms.

07.2: Lying on the grass was completely prohibited except the last day, when RAs paid no attention.

08.1: During the third week, Shea did a weekly activity, "PDA". It did not incorporate any actual PDA, but was certainly entertaining. Each day featured a different subject for which "PDA" was an acronym. These subjects were: "Padua Dorm Activities", "Philosophical Debate Attacks", and "Play-Doh Appreciation.

Los Angeles (LMU)

2004: RAs began a serious PDA crackdown, especially at the dances, repeatedly separating slow-dancers and grinders of any sex combination. Intertwining of anyone's legs was also prohibited. Holding hands, non-mouth kisses, and half-second closed-mouth kisses were allowed, but no making out. Rules required that hands stay in "appropriate" places (this included not grabbing asses while dancing). Freaking was banned. Same sex grinding was fine.

06.2: People of different sexes could not lie on the ground together in close proximity.

07.2: Stummy lays took place without regulation. One large one in particular happened during the break of the ETYM class that consisted of the full ETYM class and a bunch of the people from ETHC, LOGC, and one girl from physics.

08.1: Grass orgies were allowed, for the most part. One RA did get nervous at some point and tell a group of students to stop, as they might "get stepped on."

08.2: Grass orgies happened, for the most part, but none of them were gigantic. One rather large one composed of the vast majority of PCTYDers also happened during the last dance, right in front of where the RAs were dancing. Some of the RAs looked over as if they wanted to say something, but no one did. However, though it lasted quite long (perhaps three or so songs) this grorgy broke up quickly, due to anxiety about End of the World and being trampled.

09.1: Despite the flu scare, grass orgies happened, and even spread past the PCTYD community. In addition, the "foot orgy", a less comfortable variant, was invented.

Baltimore (JHU)

05.1: ANY PDA set off an alarm for RAs; they would come and ask your names and then call your parents.

06.1: Enforcement was more lenient. All RAs turned the other way in Bugblatter Beast fashion, and makeouts happened at dances.

07.2: Simon would walk around the Gentle Slope at Social Time; he would catch couples making out under trees, wave his arms, and shout loudly, "YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!! I GET PAID FOR THIS!!" PDA Rules were generally unenforceable during dances, when couples would regularly make out in the middle of the dance floor where RAs couldn't see them from the perimeter of the Glass Pavilion.

08.2: The RAs anf administration did not seem to care at all about PDA. Couples were seen kissing for much longer than three seconds and RAs would comment on grinding but would not thoroughly enforce it.

Unknown: Two students are caught open mouth kissing on the Gentle Slope. When they try to leave the Gentle Slope with their dignity, they discover that their lanyards are tangled, and they are stuck until an RA comes to help them out. The story is still told by RAs as of 08.1

Hawaii

05.2: Any slow dancing and most grinding was fine. Three-second closed-mouth kissing was generally allowed. Hand holding, arms around each other, and the like were fine.

Easton

08.1 RAs are particularly strict about PDA. The six inch rule is enforced often and some couples are picked on more than others, based on how well known they are and if they are repeat "offenders". At the dances the RAs literally walk through the crowd,and separate couples if they are too close. The phrase "Hands Above the Equator" is often used when reprimanding couples while slow dancing. Some RAs also use the phrase "Keep it Kosher". Grinding happened a lot at the dances. It was often broken up only to continue as soon as the RA was gone.

Make outs happened behind the bench in Farinon. This wasn't really possible at the dances but during CAAsino night two couples made out repeatedly while on the ground behind the bench opposite the main room. The tree, during Quad Time, is also a common make out spot, and is often patrolled during Quad Time.

During Session 2 of 2008, a certain RA enforced a four/five and half second hug rule, which was obviously broken often. The strictness of PDA was upped because of this RA, who also didn't like when couples had their arms around each others waists. Oftentimes, couples making out during Quad Time would have a flashlight shone in their direction, causing the couple in question to break apart... momentarily, then continue after the RAs left. Close slow dances were also interrupted by an RA, sometimes even more than one, when the RA(s) would dance between the couples.