Sex Workers' Art Show Back, This Time With Forums

The Sex Workers' Art Show that has created turmoil at the College of William and Mary will return today, the college said.

This time, however, the university will provide a forum that is intended to address the show and the issues it raises.

In addition, the university said Thursday, performers and audience members will be involved in question-and-answer sessions after the two student-sponsored performances.

The measures appear to respond to a statement issued Feb. 2 by university President W. Taylor Reveley III.

At that time, Reveley expressed disappointment at the need to think again about the show, which some believed had artistic and social value but others found degrading and offensive.

Describing the university as committed to the belief in the free play of ideas as the route to truth, he said he would not be a censor.

But, he said, show sponsors and performers needed to provide for serious discussion of issues involved. He called for those on both sides to take part.

Reveley became president of William and Mary following the departure of Gene R. Nichol, whose administration was marked by controversy over the show and other matters.