EAST LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan State University associate professor’s nude photographs that show him posing with students have prompted questions about art and ethics among some associated with the school.
Danny Guthrie’s work is well-known by campus officials, who have reviewed the issue, The Detroit News reported Wednesday. Coverage by the State News student newspaper drew recent attention at the East Lansing campus to Guthrie’s photos, which depict the 65-year-old photography teacher bare-chested in some photos, while in others he’s fully clothed. Guthrie poses with male and female students, faculty and colleagues and often is touching them. The more controversial photos include Guthrie embracing and holding nude women, and resting his head on another nude woman.
In an e-mail to The Detroit News, Guthrie declined an interview and wrote: “It is not a great climate for being edgy in the area of sexuality.”
The school has determined there’s a protocol in place so students do not feel pressured to participate, Heather Swain, interim vice president for university relations, said in a statement. The Associated Press
