tightsnheels

I completly agree that it is the security staff that would be your problem. It would be wise to find other outlets or to join a class so you belong when confronted. Because with today's security it is a matter of when not if for a confrontaion. Take it from someone who has had to undergo security training when I work in a retirment home and yes we have had to use it.
While I agree that most college age kids are very open to unusual things (the naked man at I believe UC Berkly some years ago) on campus put them with a bunch of non-college people off campus and you may find some differances.
Take it easy and give thought to all our ideas and concerns; I'm sure in the long run you will find what suits you best.
T&H
P.S. UC Berkly added a rule about clothes on campus not too long after he was attending classes.

hoverfly

All it will take is threating of a lawyer and such policies ans minds will be modified or change even cause security guards to think twice. If want to wear heels in public you got to be ready to defend your self. If not you and other will be noting but freaks to others.

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Hello, my name is Hoverfly. I am a high heel addict…. Weeeeeeeeeee!!!

docs41

Actually I don't think there is a problem with walking across a college campus.
Unless the college is extremely small I don't think anyone would notice including security. Besides, most colleges are accustomed to the "nontraditional student", those over the age of 30. I started my undergrad in 1992 when I was 38 and I'm back at the same school for my master degree. There is a large number of nontraditionals on campuses today, and with the array of issues that security has to deal with I believe that a person wearing alternative footwear would not rate too high on their list of things to worry about. Enjoy yourself and don't worry so much.

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If the shoe fits-buy it!!!!!!

radiodave

Since the VA Tech shooting, I would not be surprised if suspicious folks are more likely to be questioned. That said though, my alma mater probably wouldn't have given a second thought to anyone walking on the grounds or through the student union. I've gone to the bookstore and to the theaters after I graduated and no longer had a student ID, but all was fine. You might raise more eyebrows if you go into other buildings where classrooms are, but if you are just wearing high heels I can't believe the security folks would single you out for just walking across the grounds. Just keep your other clothes on . Unless signs are actually posted saying only students, faculty or employees are permitted, then I don't think there would be a problem.

HappyFeat

Here are my thoughts...

I am a college professor at a very small, not-so-diverse college. However, in my journey to become a professor, I have been to many, many universities. First, pick a school that is fairly cosmopolitan. A university in a major city like Ohio State (in Columbus) or the main campus of the University of Pittsburgh are fairly urban and in many ways blend into the city. Most large campuses have a fringe community with business that cater to students that surround the campus that have no affiliation with the school.

As far as on campus, it is true that universities and colleges have a heightened awareness of security; however it is mainly lip service bing paid to the issue. Most universities know that what makes universities great is that they are open, and places of diversity of thought and experience. I seriously doubt that you would ever be labeled "suspicious" for just being there, no matter what you are wearing. In fact, in the spring there will be many others who appear stranger than you!

On campus, the library is a great place to go for heeling. I have done this many times in many different places. Most university libraries serve the public as well since they are major research institutions. You will also never be thrown out of a bookstore. Student unions are pretty open. I do not suggest that you wander classroom buildings or dorms.

You could also attend a campus event such as a lecture, concert, movie, gallery, etc. Those are also usually open to the general public.

You could also have a backup story of why you are there such as planning on enrolling or something. Just relax and enjoy!

flamingxy

HappyFeat has the right of it. Campuses are open, and they're not likely to stop you---so long as it's a medium- to large-sized, semi-cosmopolitan university.

It really depends on what kind of campus it is. If you're going many miles out of your way to an ugly, small campus, that's suspicious. If it's nearby, nice campus, then it's perfectly reasonable for you to enjoy taking a walk there.

Try to avoid bringing up keywords like VTech. That was a student committing the crime. Almost every major incident on a college campus involves a student committing crimes. (Of course, almost every person on a college campus is a student, which does bias the statistics quite a bit.)

heelma

Thanks for all the responses! I would like to clarify a couple of things:
First of all, when I was talking about heeling on college campuses, I referred to walking outside only - not in buildings, definitely not classrooms or dorms. But thank you very much for the hint with the library - if ever ask, I would mention that or a book store I would be searching for. Also, I am really trying not to be totally bold. I usually wear super long jeans and a sweater with hat. The jeans cover the heels pretty well, though when I wear heels with 2" platforms, it's still visible. Anyway, I don't think I am too striking when walking there.

In the first replies here though I got the impression that security could kick me out just for not belonging there. Isn't the same argument true for other areas to go heeling, such as shopping malls? Yes, I don't need a student ID there to proof I belong to the college; in a mall, I could simply say I want to go to that and that store. But from my understanding, college campuses are open to the public in a not that different way than malls. In contrast, if it's a state college, then it's public, isn't it? Shopping malls, on the other hand, are privately owned, and if anyone is bothered by me, they could also ask me to leave there, couldn't they?

HappyFeat

You make a very good point about the public/private issues. State universities are more likely to be open than private institutions. However, even a privately owned business like a shopping mall would have to be careful in who they asked to leave. The private business argument (a private business can choose who they will serve) was used as the defense for the Jim Crowe laws. So, unless you are doing something illegal, even a private establishment would have a difficult time expelling you from the premises.

Remember though, many states, localities still have archaic laws that may be interpreted against you, such as prohibition against crossdressing, sodomy laws, etc. Most places of business would car less about what you wear than if you are buying. As a case in point I have tried on many pair of heels while shopping. Most clerks are totally nonchalant, while others are very helpful.

In any case, if you are discreet, nobody notices or even cares about most things that involve them directly. Be as bold as you like!

heelma

Any idea how this is in NY state? I thought so far that NY is progressive enough not to have those kind of laws (anymore).

HappyFeat

Actually, In New York they would be too busy policing the conduct of the governors (and possibly Rudy Gulliani) to care too much about what you are doing.

Interestingly enough, it is the northeast that has the bulk of the archaic laws (lack banning playing baseball on Sundays) simply because they are the oldest states with laws that go back to pre-revolutionary times. In the end however, I think you would be pretty safe in most places in urban areas in New York. Just watch out for the ice and snow...