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Apr. 9, 2012 issue

Page 1

T H E I N D E P E N D E N T D A I LY AT D U K E U N I V E R S I T Y

The Chronicle

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2012

ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH YEAR, ISSUE 131

WWW.DUKECHRONICLE.COM

Students petition against change to misconduct policy

Blue Devils smash the Seminoles

by Matt Barnett THE CHRONICLE

CAROLINE RODRIGUEZ/THE CHRONICLE

Students are standing up to the recent changes to Duke’s sexual misconduct policy that reduce the timeframe in which students can report alleged incidents of sexual assault. This January, the Office of Student Conduct reduced the reporting period for sexual misconduct from two years to one year after the incident occurs. Some students are concerned that this change might discourage victims who are uncomfortable reporting the incident without ample time to recuperate. A petition asking administrators to reverse the policy started to circulate April 1 and has acquired about 1,000 signatures as of Saturday, said senior Ebonie Simpson, Duke Student Government vice president of student life and an intern at the Women’s Center. “I hope that students are really understanding that this affects everyone—it’s not an issue that just affects women,” said Simpson, who was one of the petition’s main architects. “I just hope that the administration responds effectively and efficiently. The school year is almost out.” Stephen Bryan, director of the Office of Student Conduct and associate dean of students, deferred all comment to Vice President for Student Affairs Larry Moneta. The petition, which is sponsored by women’s issues blog Develle Dish and Duke Student Government, lays out three primary grievances with the new statute of limitations: victims of sexual assault have less time to seek redress, perpetrators of sexual violence are less likely to be held accountable, and incidents of sexual assault will continue to be under-reported.

The No. 3 Duke Blue Devils improved to 19-2 on the season in a 4-2 win over ACC rival Florida State at Ambler Tennis Stadium. SEE PETITION ON PAGE 6

DSG PRESIDENTIAL RACE

Brown aims to increase outreach Sigma Pi by Maggie Spini THE CHRONICLE

MELISSA YEO/THE CHRONICLE

Junior Chris Brown, a lifelong Blue Devil, draws on his love for Duke in his approach to student advocacy. Brown, external chief of staff for Duke Student Government, is running for DSG president with a goal of improving communication between senators and the student body and ensuring a smooth transition to the house model. “Now is a crucial time to be getting student input,” Brown said. “[One thing] I bring to the table is my attitude and my perspective.” Brown said he wants to put DSG in stronger dialogue with students by creating a director of communications position within his administration. This individual would help him write memos and letters directly to students. If elected, Brown said he will focus on the implementation of the house model and planning for

Chris Brown, a junior, currently serves as the Duke Student Government external chief of staff.

fraternity to receive charter by Marianna Jordan THE CHRONICLE

The Duke chapter of the Sigma Pi fraternity will receive its charter in an official ceremony Saturday after completing the process in record time. The Iota-Xi chapter was the fastest Sigma Pi colony to ever be chartered, said Sigma Pi President Max Coar, a sophomore. After receiving colony status in Spring 2011, the chartering process lasted one year, though many chapters complete it in up to two years. Sigma Pi is already a member of the Interfraternity Council at Duke and will have a house under next year’s house model, but the national charter will give them voting rights in national fraternity matters and access to greater alumni support.

SEE BROWN ON PAGE 5 SEE SIGMA PI ON PAGE 10

Lindy Duncan wins third tournament of the season, SW 5

ONTHERECORD

“... life as a Chinese engineer is not necessarily paradise or even a guarantee of decent living.” —Kristen Lee in “Imitation life.” See column page 8

Brinson Paolini captures first career win, SW 3


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