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The Chronicle S
FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2006
Lawyer
claims player has alibi
University delves into campus culture Panel focuses on alcoholism9 intellectualism, possible “culture of crassness ”
by
Saidi Chen
THE CHRONICLE
In the wake of two arrests of on the men’s lacrosse team, the case continues to develop as more evidence is brought to light. Some of the evidence seems to support defense lawyers’ claim that their clients are “absolutely innocent.” A taxi driver granted interviews to various media sources Thursday when he described driving suspect Reade Seligmann on the night of the party where the alleged rape took place. A search warrant was also released Thursday that revealed details ofColin Finnerty’s dormitory room search. Seligmann and Finnerty were charged Tuesday morning with first degree forcible rape, first degree sexual offense and
sophomores
kidnapping.
William Cotter, an attorney for Finnerty, said his client would not SEE LAX ON PAGE 9
weiy;
Sophomore Collin Finnerty, who was arrested Tuesday, had his dorm room searched by Durham PolkeTuesday night
.n/the
chronicle
President RichardBrodhead (right) led a discussion Thursday regarding theCampus Culture Initiative, one of the five committees he created in response to the lacrosse scandal.
Neal SenGupta THE CHRONICLE
The events of the past few weeks have magnified controversial topics on Duke’s campus. To discuss issues of sexism, racism and student social life, approximately 400 members of the Duke community gathered in the Chapel for “A Conversation on Campus Culture” Thursday evening. The event was sponsored by the Kenan Institute for Ethics and 25 other campus organizations. “This has been a painful time for people with ties to the institution,” said Elizabeth Kiss, director of the Kenan Institute and moderator of the event. “We are here to discuss- the set of issues about Duke’s culture that have been brought to the surface by the events of the past few weeks.” The conversation was a part of the University’s response to recent rape allegations. President Richard Brodhead announced the formation of five committees, one of which tackles the issue of campus culture. Members of the committee were also named Thursday. The panel, which featured nine members, included Brodhead, Dean of Students and Vice
Study: Duke contributes $3.28 by
TOM MENDEL/THE CHRONICLE
£
ONE HUNDRED AND FIRST YEAR, ISSUE 139
THE INDEPENDENT DAILY AT DUKE UNIVERSITY
Room in Edens searched Tuesday by
C
Holley
Shreya THE CHRONICLE
Horrell and
President for Student Affairs Sue Wasiolek, Dean of the Chapel Sam Wells and Professor of African and African-American Studies Mark Anthony Neal. Wasiolek cited comments written by students on blogs, induding one student’s comment that Duke was leaning towards a “culture ofcrassness,” which adversely affected the intellectual atmosphere of the University. She also discussed popular student activities primarily based around alcohol consumption. “Students have talked about events such as Krzyzewskiville, tailgate, [the Last Day of Classes] do these events define who we wish to be?” she asked. “And what would happen if alcohol was eliminated from all these events?” Junior Andrew Nowobilski, a panel member and co-founder —
SEE CULTURE ON PAGE 7
President Richard Brodhead announces Campus Culture Initiative Committee.
see pg. 7
to Durham
Rao
The value of Duke’s economic influence in Durham is estimated at $3.2 billion, according to the results of a study released Thursday. In the past year, the University, its students and visitors spent a total of $1.6 billion in Durham. The report noted that the economic impact is at least twice that amount, as each dollar directly spent is usually recycled into the local economy. The study—the fourth administered since 1997—was created by Duke’s Office of Public Affairs in partnership with the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and the Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau. John Burness, senior vice president of public affairs and government relations, said the report was released in conjunction with the 100year anniversary of the Chamber ofCommerce. The report comes in thewake ofa scandalthat has put Duke-Durham relations under national scrutiny, and itsrelease was delayed as a result. “This was ready to go about a month ago, but SEE DUKE-DURHAM ON PAGE 8
PETER
GEBHARD/THECHRONICLE
Restaurants in Durham, likeElmo's Diner, enjoy business from patrons affiliated with Duke University.