Letter to the Editor

I do not stand for rape and I do not stand for victim shaming, but I do stand for justice. The recently published article—that brought to light allegations of sexual assault regarding Rasheed Sulaimon—is a reflection not only of an injustice but also of the larger societal problems with campus gossip and athlete culture at Duke University. As consumers and producers of media, we all must be well aware of the influence news has on identity and character perception.

Rape is a matter of consent. The stories of these women are being narrated by friends and strangers—people who have no authority to tell it. The article failed to mention that Common Ground is a safe space, where students can share personal stories that are not intended to leave that time or place. In reporting the intentionally secretive stories of these two women, the Chronicle has not only violated their stories, but the experiences of all the former and future members of Common Ground. Is it now appropriate to report on all the individual experiences regarding sexual assault at Duke that were shared during Common Gound? What about the stories of discrimination, of racism, of sexism, of homophobia?

So why Rasheed Sulaimon? Why report a story on a person who faces no charges? The purpose of the article seemed to be to satisfy the Cameron Crazies’ curiosity involving the reasons behind the dismissal of a player. Reasons that were intentionally left out of the media to protect the privacy of a student. Where are the investigations on other Duke student-athletes that have been dismissed from their teams? Of the countless students charged and accused with sexual assault? This article reflects an unhealthy obsession with Duke basketball, one that removes players from their humanity. When Sulaimon hit a game winning three last year, The Chronicle praised him as a god. Now he is depicted as a criminal unworthy of justice or any fair assessment of personhood.

One thing is clear—this article would not have been written about any other student in the Duke community. The tone of the article failed to realize that he is a student. He was a student when he scored that three against Syracuse and he is a student now. Before the article was published, were the repercussions of reporting this story if he is innocent considered?

Media and journalism have the powerful ability to shape public opinion. When free speech is used wisely, it can create change. However, when used ignorantly and recklessly it can reproduce the inequalities present in our society, like the criminalization of the black American male and the view that women cannot choose to tell their own story. This is the quintessential example of the failure of American journalism, of misrepresentation and unjust criminalization. Sulaimon has the right to be found innocent until proven guilty and this article consciously stripped him from this right and crucified him on the altar of public opinion. Whether innocent or not, his reputation has been permanently impacted.

I want the Chronicle, the media and the entire Duke population to know the power words convey and the irrevocable consequences that come with them. Our words matter. Rasheed Sulaimon has learned this the hard way. Our words matter—they have the ability to create and destroy, to build and ruin dreams. As a Duke student I have a responsibility to the community to act if I am a witness to the community standard being compromised. In allowing Sulaimon to be prematurely judged, this article does not reflect “the principles of honesty, fairness, respect, and accountability” and does not “protect and promote a culture of integrity”. This is my act.

Mercedes Carrasco