October 2, 2001

Page 1

Tuesday, October 2, 2001

Sunny High 80, Low 54 www.chronicle.duke.edu Vol. 97, No. 27

The Chronicle

Bring on the Heels The women’s soccer team will play UNC, last year’s national champion, at home today. See page 11

THE INDEPENDENT DAILY AT DUKE UNIVERSITY

Some black professors cite tough racial climate

Shavadelic

Departed faculty question Duke’s commitment By DAVE INGRAM The Chronicle

Despite the University’s prominent attempts to recruit and retain black faculty members, some who have recently left Duke attribute their departure in part to racial tension. Administrators have long said that the hiring ofblack professors is a priority, but they cite several challenges to that goal, including competition with other universities and the failure of many professors to gain tenure. Although administrators also acknowledge problems withracial climate, some faculty members say the University has overlooked the difficulties of everyday discrimination and the unique demands made ofminorities. Monica Green, associate professor of history, said a lack ofresearch support and a poor racial climate have convinced her to leave the University. “I think most ofit is extremely subtle, and it’s not articulated. It adds up and creates a climate where one feels valued or one doesn’t feel valued,” said Green, who is black. “With Duke making exceptional claims that it’s interested in minority retention, I and others have been shocked at how little they have done.” For the next year, Green is on leave researching at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. She said she will likely resign from her Duke position soon and next year move to Arizona State University. She and other black professors emphasized the added work others expect of them. More than other faculty members, they are expected to serve on University and department committees, mentor students and be a face for the institution, Green said. “It’s just a fairly constant stream of

A Look at the Candidates MAYOR OF DURHAM

Brenda

students—asking for sympathy, any kind of guidance, a friendly face, a shoulder to cry on—students who, like us, feel their academic potential is not being supported or given guidance,” she said. Former assistant professor ofreligion William Hart echoed that sentiment. He came to Duke in 1994 and gained tenure this spring. Just weeks later, however, he resigned from his position and accepted a post at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Although a majority of the religion department supported his tenure case, Hart said he felt marginalized by a combination of three factors: being a junior faculty member, working in a field of religion out of the mainstream and being a minority.

“I can’t say that I ever encountered any sort ofexplicit or outrageous sorts of behaviors or comments by colleagues,” Hart said. “On the other hand, I will say part of the problem that minorities face, particularly minority intellectuals, is that one’s work is either received in a patronizing sort of way, in that people are surprised you can actually think, or it’s dismissed with hostility. It’s rare that you encounter people who evaluate your work in a serious way.”

Administrative response

Burnette

Occupation has spent her entire life in Durham. She received her bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University in 1979. She considers herself a community activist. In addition to volunteering, Burnette has also served as president and Held vice president of the PTA. Elective Offices Burnette first ran for office in 1983 for an at-large position on the Durham City Council. In 1997 she won a position on the council, one that she still holds.

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Administrators continue to plan the new wing of the Sanford Institute of Public Policy. They hope to begin construction next year. See page 3

The Chronicle

Coach Mike Krzyzewski may have won one ofthe biggest recruiting coups in the history of the state of North Carolina Monday, landing blue chip recruit Shavlik Randolph of Raleigh.

Several media outlets—including Kurt O’Neill’s Elitehooprecruits.com—reported Monday night that Randolph will announce his commitment to Duke over North Carolina, N.C. State,

Kansas and Florida, at a 4 p.m. conference Wednesday at Broughton, his high school in Raleigh. “I knew for sure this morning,”

O’Neill said.

“The decision had been made and I think he basically called other schools to tell them. I officially heard this morning. I think it’s been done for a while, but I think they decided over the weekend to get it over with.” See RANDOLPH on page 16

>

CLIMATE on page 6 �

Bren a Burnette Date of Birth

Despite official no-comments, several media outlets have confirmed touted recruit will commit to Duke By PAUL DORAN

Not all black professors have left Duke sharing Hart’s sentiment. For example, many cite failed bids for tenure, offers from other institutions and a simple desire for change. Pamela Jackson, former assistant professor of sociology, praised Duke for its diverse student body, research resources, supportive administration and “very comfortable, very welcoming” atmosphere. She was denied tenure last year, See RACIAL

BASKETBALL RECRUIT Shavlik Randolph works out during his official visit to Duke

Burnette eyes city mayorship This is the second in a five-part series profiling mayoral candidates. By MELISSA SOUCY The Chronicle

Brenda Burnette said she knows most people might not expect a single mother of six to have time to be the mayor of Durham. But the 52-year-old Durham native said it is her experience as a mother that makes her a strong candidate. “People are concerned about growth and

development, but people also want to feel that

you care about them, their personal issues, the road in front of their house, their side-

walks, their children’s safety,” said Burnette. “I’m a mother, so I’m aware of this. That’s the thing I do naturally—the people thing.” A Durham City Council member for four

Citing concerns about speed and structure, the chemistry department removed the professor of Advanced General Chemistry mid-semester. See page 3

years, Burnette sums up her platform with the acronym HELP—“healing our wounded posture, employment for men and women who lost jobs due to economic downturn, leadership with accountability and positive progression and growth.” Burnette hopes to focus on healing the inner city. “We need a gym in my neighborhood,” she explained. “I see those kids just standing there.... They could be in that gym. Someone could be in there with GED classes, they could be shooting pool, they could have a big-screen TV and movies.... They’re [in the streets] because they have nothing else to do.” Burnette also stressed the importance of education as a means to employment and the role of employment in improving the See BURNETTE on page 9 i*

Police arrested someone in connection with a vehicle break-in that took place in the School of Nursing parking lot the morning of Sept. 26. See page 4


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October 2, 2001 by Duke Chronicle Print Archives - Issuu