Elite liberal arts school held ‘disgusting’ orientation performance — where students mimicked sex acts

Students at Amherst College, a prestigious liberal arts school in Massachusetts, are criticizing a recent orientation performance they describe as “disgusting,” claiming it involved actors mimicking sexual acts on stage and tossing condoms into the audience.

Video obtained by the Washington Free Beacon reportedly shows students pretending to have sex, moaning, and thrusting under blankets during the annual performance, which all first-year students are reportedly encouraged to attend. Isabella Niemi, a junior, told the outlet she found the skit so disturbing she considered leaving.

“I thought about leaving 10 minutes in. I’m not someone who breaks rules or skips mandatory events, but it was disgusting enough it almost forced me to leave,” Niemi said.

Students sitting and laughing on a red carpeted floor with some standing on a lower level. — A grab from a video of the orientation performance at Amherst College. Washington Free Beacon / YouTube

The performance, known as Voices of the Class, is funded and sanctioned by the $92,400-a-year institution. It reportedly incorporates out-of-context excerpts from incoming students’ own admissions essays. Amherst defended the skits, saying they have been promoting sexual respect on campus for decades.

“The skits are part of our broader commitment to promoting wellbeing and sexual respect on campus,” said Amanda Vann, the school’s director of health and wellbeing. “They encourage conversations about topics that can sometimes feel difficult to discuss, from sexual health and communication to harm reduction and self-care. By presenting these subjects in a relatable, engaging format, the skits help students build the skills and awareness needed to care for themselves, support one another, and contribute to a healthy, respectful community.”

A group of young people laughing and reacting to an event, two men in the foreground with their mouths open, one man sitting in a chair, on a red carpet. — The orientation included a graphic performance that stunned some students. Washington Free Beacon / YouTube

Students at Amherst College attend a "sexual ceremony" as part of the "Voices of Amherst" event. — People are seen mimicking sex acts during the orientation presentation. Washington Free Beacon / YouTube

Vann added that the performances have been staged for 25 years.

However, some students argue that the latest iteration crossed the line.

“I understand that Amherst is trying to remove the taboo behind sex on campus, but this has gone way too far,” said John Collier, a junior. “The way it’s forced in our faces does the exact opposite.”