RLHS mishandling of Room Pix unacceptable

By now, most students have been made aware of Residence Life and Housing Services' serious blunder regarding Room Pix '08.

We call on RLHS to respond swiftly and responsibly to correct this situation. In order to ensure that those affected by this mistake enjoy an acceptable living arrangement next year, RLHS must: 1. Ensure that independents are not forced to live in selective living group sections. Independents should be afforded the same treatment as members of SLGs. Their right to be independent should be honored by respecting their choice not to live in a SLG section. 2. Ensure that every person living in a block has consented to move, before relocating all or some of a block. For many students, blocking is a valued alternative to SLGs and splitting blocking communities would be irresponsible and unacceptable. 3. Ensure that ALL sophomores are given residence on West Campus as promised.

If RLHS is unable to meet these expectations, we call for new leadership in residence life that is capable of leading the department effectively. Likewise, we call on our peers in Campus Council to work with Vice President of Student Affairs Larry Moneta to identify more competent leadership who can honor Duke students' three-year living agreements with RLHS. Just as students cannot shirk their contractual obligation with RLHS, RLHS cannot shirk its contractual obligation with students.

Jordan Giordano

President-elect, Duke Student Government

Trinity '09

Sunny Kantha

Executive vice president-elect, DSG