Rise to the president’s challenge

I write in strong support of President Brodhead’s message to students to own their short time at Duke and, in his words, to accept the responsibility to visualize change, force discussion and take responsibility to reclaim a unique Duke experience from influences which seek to lessen or corrupt the experience.

The Chronicle’s coverage of Brodhead’s call to action got me thinking about my return to campus this weekend, astounded that students have allowed the administration of Wilson gym to be so antithetical to promoting student interests. I was particularly dismayed to realize that Duke’s immense Wilson Gym remains closed to students during home football games. It would seem to me that protecting the toilets and the floors from vomit is a weak argument for closing Duke’s only viable workout facility, considering the placement of a single off-duty Duke police officer at the front of the gym should be enough to allow it to operate without closure. Why do you let these folks get away with limiting your access?

Further, my research tells me that an element to the wider dialog the president is courageously calling on might also perhaps examine why, during these challenging economic times, Wilson Gym is staffed by an outside security service and not by Duke students? Wouldn’t it make more sense to pay Duke students who need jobs and struggle to afford a Duke education, and not an hourly wage roughly multiplied by two (for the agency fee) for every worker hired?

During my wonderful four years at Duke, we wouldn’t have been pushed aside so lightly by administrators who seem to place self-interest before student and Duke community interest. I encourage you to rise to the president’s challenge and visualize change and take responsibility for your own short, precious time at such a wonderful place as Duke. Start the dialog, eradicate bad decision making and embrace change. I am already cheering from the sidelines.

Jeff Anton

Trinity ’93