Institute opens doors to famed sex collection

As a result of a decision Director John Bancroft deemed instrumental in promoting "accessibility and understanding," the controversial Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction will open its doors for public tours. Tours are slated for Dec. 15, Jan. 19 and Feb. 16.\nThe idea was suggested by Jennifer Bass, head of information services at Kinsey. Providing tours to the public was a natural "next step" in the institute's evolution, Bancroft said. \nEstablished in 1947 by professor Albert Kinsey, the nonprofit organization was supported by former University Chancellor Herman B Wells. In addition to research and teaching, the institute maintains the Kinsey Institute Sexuality Information Service for Students (KISISS), an interactive Web site. The group also runs the Sexual Health Clinic in the Health Center.\nBancroft said June Reinisch, Kinsey's previous director, "laid great emphasis on public outreach with her Kinsey Columns syndicated across the world." \n"During my time we have been more focused on outreach to the academic and professional communities," he said.\nCollections at the institute are from six continents, and include books, serials, art, photographs and films that document sexual behaviors, interests and values. The forthcoming tours mark the first time in institute history that such documents will be publicly exhibited. \n"We want students to know what we have to offer and what goes on here," Bass said. "That we are engaged in the interdisciplinary study of sexuality, and that we offer resources for students while they're here at IU, for study and personal help. It seemed like a natural progression to reach out to the broader Bloomington community."\nBass said the institute has always been considered controversial.\n"The institute has been involved in controversy since its inception," she said. "There are people who feel that sex should not be discussed in a public forum, not studied or taught, and see us as actually causing societal problems relating to sex. These people would also like to do away with sex education, and any public discussion of the topic."\nBut she added that such groups are in fact minorities whose claims have been repeatedly disproven. Bass acknowledged the institute's research reputation as its "greatest defense."\nShe also stressed that, because of explicit images, much of the work contained in the institute's gallery is inappropriate for children.\nThe institute encourages professors to structure class-related visits on a voluntary basis.\nThe greatest testimony to the institute's increasing public support might be sheer statistics. Tours have already been booked through March 2001.\nFreshman Alicia Johnson, who is designing a major in sex therapy through the Individualized Major Program, cited the institute's endeavor as "vital to increasing awareness about trends in sexuality and gender"