As a Durham native and an NCCU alumnus, I was outraged to read the column "Summa cum loony" by Kristin Butler. As Americans, we have the privilege of voicing our opinions; however, we should think about the impact our commentaries have on others.
I feel that Butler has hampered the progress of partnership that had finally begun between the two universities in Durham. She has insulted the entire NCCU community, including friends of NCCU and former graduates who are now in professions at all levels of the employment spectrum and have completed degrees at NCCU.
If she had done a little more research, I am sure she would probably have uncovered the dark side of some present or former students in the Duke archives that some of us may consider undeserving of degrees from Duke. Instead of launching insults, this column and paper could benefit all by promoting camaraderie and building bridges of partnership.
This type of rhetoric will continue to perpetuate racial and academic divisiveness in the Durham community and the country. I feel that Butler owes the NCCU family, the city of Durham and the Duke University family an apology for here appalling remarks, inconsideration and insensitivity.
Joyce Scarborough
NCCU '77
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