Hopes in the wake of the lacrosse case

Last year, I wrote The Chronicle and expressed my thoughts about the presumption of innocence in the now-closed chapter of what the national media calls the "Duke rape case." Yes, the chapter is closed. But, important issues remain unresolved. The book is not complete.

First, I hope that the considerable resources (intellectual and otherwise) of the University and its extended community will be used to help the young men and women-young men and women who handled an extraordinary ordeal with great grace and dignity-reclaim their futures. Please note that I say both young men and women because all of our nation's youth have been affected by this now-acknowledged failure of our judicial system. The effect extends beyond Duke University, the sport of lacrosse, the Duke lacrosse team, the families of the accused and the accused themselves-true victims of this chapter. Our society should do whatever it can to resurrect their futures. I admit that I only have questions about how this can be done. Perhaps others with greater wisdom can illuminate a path.

Second, I pray that we will be able to forgive the accusations of what now appears to be a troubled mind. And I thank God that my own children aren't plagued with a disconnection with reality. Third, I'd like to say how impressed I am of the way the the three accused handled themselves. Grace under pressure. Dignity. I struggle to find words to express myself. But I do know this... and in a more colloquial sense... "Good-god-a-mickey-mighty, I'd want these guys on my team."

Best of luck to Duke lacrosse.

Thomas Inman

Trinity '74