Stephen Miller's recent column ("Alums: withhold your support," Feb. 12) was misguided, short-sighted and unconvincing. In urging alumni to stop donating to Duke, Miller claims to have the best interests of the University at heart. However, what is more apparent is that he seeks to further his conservative agenda at the expense of the success of this institution. Simply put, the cessation of alumni donations would lead to Duke's fall in the national academic rankings and the impairment of financial aid programs.
The problem with Miller and the army of conservative bloggers slandering Duke is that they are doing exactly what they accuse the "Group of 88" of doing. They are exploiting a serious issue that begs for rational discussion in order to suit their own political goals, and in the process, severely hurting Duke. From Miller's activities in the "Students for Academic Freedom" organization, it is clear that he seeks an elimination of "radical" professors from the ranks of Duke faculty. Silencing professors' opinions represents the highest form of political correctness, of which all Duke students should be ashamed.
Certainly, a few professors have gone too far in their expression of their opinions. Professors share a responsibility to the community, and should not attack students with their words. However, to withhold monetary support as Miller urges would only contribute to an atmosphere in which faculty would not feel free to teach, research and associate as they wish.
In the end, the Duke community must realize that we all share a stake in the outcome of the lacrosse case's aftermath. Extremist liberal and conservative bloggers with no association to Duke do not. Rather than inciting alumni to cripple the University, Miller should be urging a calm dialogue in order to sort out what needs to get done. Until that happens, we can be sure that Miller is attempting to hurt Duke.
Samiron Ray
Trinity '10
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