40 years later

We seized the building because we have been negotiating with Duke administration and faculty concerning different issues that affect black students for two and a half years and we have no meaningful results. We have exhausted the so-called 'proper channels.'"

These words show the sense of urgency and desperation characterizing the 50 to 75 students who took over the Allen Building 40 years ago today. They occupied the most prominent office on campus in order to force the administration to consider their concerns. After presenting the University with a set of demands-many of which had been voiced in preceding years-they waited to see how the University would respond.

Although their critiques of the University were aimed at demonstrating the prevalence of wrongs being committed, the students also encouraged positive change that could eventually transform the institution. The University had only admitted its first black students in 1963 and segregation still permeated the South. The demands were issued during these tenuous times because black students were systematically excluded from the University community and now they refused to be ignored.

Despite the passage of time, the impact of the takeover and the resulting demands are still felt today. We see a University commitment to diversity and access expressed in the strategic plan, numerous student groups seeking to support and advocate for the cultures that exist at Duke and a variety of initiatives striving to recognize the importance and perspective of the cross-sections of our community. Although the University has made significant steps forward, we also see a University where some students feel discrimination and distance.

It is clear that there is still work to be done. The demands 40 years ago were a critique on the Duke community, an amalgam of individuals, thoughts and actions that continues to change with each new class. Today, we also provide a critique in honor of our predecessors, hoping the future environment of Duke University will be improved for all students.

Not only do we still face matters of black and white, but also of class, gender and sexual orientation, among others. With these differences come new opportunities, which are too often misconstrued as problems. At Duke, we have the amazing opportunity to live within a microcosm of society with people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles. It is unfortunate that we often resist engaging in the true diversity that surrounds us. Whether this retreat into ourselves and our comfort zones is purposeful or subconscious, we believe it is important to take deliberate steps to learn, live and grow with people from all walks of life. This problem is not unique to Duke, but we have the unique opportunity to inspire a change that will hopefully go beyond our four years.

Although it may not be necessary for us to take over the Allen Building today, it is our collective responsibility to actively resist the temptation to remain content with a detached understanding of what, or who, is "different." Differences in race, culture, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or any other classifying characteristic should not indicate a hierarchy of access, but a spectrum of experiences. These differences bring us together as a Duke community, and should be celebrated rather than ignored. Too often we focus on eliminating the differences between us when we should be openly recognizing them with a sense of respect. This is the effort of student groups that celebrate cultures and of academic programs that seek to educate students about the cultures of the world. We must engage in what makes us unique, rather than be ashamed of admitting that we are not all the same.

How does that translate for Duke today? Participate in the events sponsored by groups to which you may not superficially belong. Take classes in a variety of departments and actually engage in cross-cultural learning. Talk to someone you don't know on the bus. Have an open conversation about race without being afraid of the controversial issues that may come up. Support a culture that may not be your own. Take the time to understand what your identity means to you, and celebrate it. Never be ashamed of who you are. You must allow yourself to be uncomfortable if your goal is to truly learn, understand and appreciate.