For alums, inaction of profs and admins frustrating

I have appreciated Professor James Coleman's efforts throughout the lacrosse case to focus attention on the procedural and ethical violations committed by the Durham district attorney and police, all of which raised the question of whether the state was playing fairly with the lacrosse team.

Unfortunately, there were few other voices of Duke professors that publicly expressed these concerns. On the other hand there were numerous surprising and disappointing statements made by Duke professors and instructors in letters to and articles in local papers and in their own publications. The University's administration did nothing to counter the impression that these statements were representative of the school itself.

The outrageous statements by professors often did not even seem to trigger any public criticism from fellow professors. There was, however, repeated complaints from professors and the Duke administration that "outsiders" and "bloggers" were unfairly sending them hate mail. If the administration saw fit to defend the professors from hateful anonymous e-mails one would assume it would also speak out against slanderous letters signed by Duke professors about the lacrosse team in public venues.

The actions of these outspoken professors (with the noted exception of Professor Coleman) and the inaction of most professors is the direct cause of the perception that Duke professors are uncaring toward their students. It will be the responsibility of the entire Duke community to correct this misperception. Duke alums do not rely on bloggers to tell us how to react to "complex events" (as Professor Coleman termed them).

My frustration and disappointment with the performance of many professors and the school's administration simply has nothing to do with a blog. Please remember that even former Duke basketball player and current ESPN analyst Jay Bilas recently penned a letter expressing passionate dissatisfaction with the school's administration. Is Professor Coleman disappointed with Bilas' criticism of the Duke administration? I am beginning to wonder if Duke's professors view the school's alums as "outsiders," which is ironic considering the fact that many of us alums will love Duke long after those professors have moved on.

Caroline Dooley

Trinity '95