We have read The Chronicle for two and a half years, and often found ourselves laughing at student quotes, but on Tuesday we were incredibly saddened to read, "Students sound off on off-campus crime." Students made broad generalizations about Durham being unsafe and one student suggested to "just build giant fences around the school." Statements such as these perpetuate the "us vs. them" mentality. These crimes were not just committed against Duke students, but against the Durham community as a whole.
Like many other urban areas, Durham has its problems, but building fences won't stop that. What has happened over the last few days is extremely sad and slightly scary, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Abhijit Mahato. But, this is no reason to perpetuate a culture of fear.
For many students, Durham is a four-year detour. You may only leave campus to occasionally go to Elmo's. If so, you will have missed out on all the wonderful things Durham has to offer-the new farmer's market stand, concerts at the American Tobacco Historic District, hikes at the Eno River, and tasty LocoPops. After two and half years, Durham is no longer a detour for us, but a home.
Students and administrators alike are asking the question, "How do these crimes affect us" instead of "How can Duke help a community decrease crime?" A Duke student has the right to feel safe, but so does every citizen in Durham. Durham is a great community and it has a lot to offer to those who are willing to commit to it. Trying to wall students off from these problems ultimately denies them a chance to be a part of something bigger than the gothic wonderland. To distance yourself from the problem is not to rise above it.
Ellen Bolen
Nicholas School of the Environment '07
Cy Stober
Nicholas School of the Environment '07
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