Good evening, My name is Nana Asante and I am a sophomore at Duke University. I am writing this e-mail in the midst of a decision by Duke University's administration to merge two mutually exclusive, minority organizations: International House and the Multicultural Center. This has resulted in an uproar, especially among minority students at this University. We have been forced to seriously consider the University's perception and lack of genuine concern for issues concerning the minority population beyond reaching a satisfiable numerical figure to represent "diversity". On behalf of my classmates, I will work as hard and best as I can to inform the community that Duke is a part of, of these decisions that have proven to blatantly disregard the needs of the minority population, and even the Duke population at large, that the University claims to clear about. Please know that my voice will not die regarding this issue. Just when I began to appreciate and value my experience here at Duke University stands for, the true colors of the University and the system that governs it became all too clear. I think it is time that someone places accountability where it is due for both the prospective and already applied changes to minority issues such as the Black Student Alliance Invitational (BSAI), Latino Student Recruitment Weekend (LSRW), and the recent merger of the International House and the Multicultural Center. As humans, we are often inclined to justify and rationalize our decisions and behaviors, no matter how unreasonable they are. It is these mental processes that allow the Duke administration and groups such as One Duke United to move forward with carrying through their misguided plans in the “best interest” of Duke. It was one thing for Duke United, comprised of members who have no stake in the goal(s) for BSAI weekend, in place to recruit prospective students of Black descent through a weekend that exposes them to both the general student life and Black culture here at Duke, to voice their opinions on a matter that does not negatively affect them (if at all) or other members of the Duke community. It was another topic of discussion for members of this group to assert that BSAI and LSRW, among other minority recruitment weekends, be eliminated based on their misrepresentation of the unity of Duke and the notion that, “they have outlasted their usefulness”. Just as one cannot expect a person from a high socio-economic background to truly understand and internalize the needs of a person who lives in poverty, the arguments of people who are not active or even participants within the Black community cannot be considered while making tangible decisions about such issues. More so, since when has the majority population been qualified to make pertinent decisions pertaining to the minority population? More importantly, Duke’s administration has incessantly failed those concerned with BSAI and LSRW by not advocating on our behalf or taking the reasonable stance against ideas that strive to create a false sense of cultural and racial unity such as those of One Duke United and numerous other affiliated students. For the administration to remain indifferent towards this issue or blatantly strive to eliminate BSAI and other minority recruitment weekends is disgraceful. It speaks to the fact that Duke’s desire to foster a diverse community needs to be labeled as what it is: a pretentious façade. Now that Duke seems to be comfortable with its numbers pertaining to minority representation among the student population, its time to get rid of events that strive to foster a true sense of economic diversity. It has become all to clear that this false dedication to promoting diversity is superficial and simply follows the status quo. If this was not the case, why is the University not taken a stance in support of minority recruitment weekends such as BSAI? These events have had an evident and positive impact on the official numbers (which are not to be made public…there is something to be said about this) for minority recruitment here at Duke, and more importantly, a strong and positive impact on the students who decide to matriculate to Duke, attributing a portion of their decision to their experiences during BSAI weekend. So, because President Brodhead was successful in eliminating minority recruitment weekends at Yale University, that legacy should continue here? I think not. These misguided politics that govern Duke University and its administration are distasteful. Additionally, with the recent merger of the Multicultural Center and the International House in conjunction with the ongoing debate surrounding BSAI begs many questions, “What is Duke really trying to do here with the minority population here at Duke?” Why is it that Duke seems to expect such establishments to compromise the essence of their existence? To imply that what can be considered mutually exclusive minority groups can be consolidated pervade a certain level of carelessness and indifference. This desire and determination to consolidate or eliminate minority affinity organizations is shameless. If a primary concern surrounding such issues is the financial commitment Duke can no longer afford, Duke should maybe think twice about a significant source of its financial contributions: Alumni. If the administration thinks making such irrational decisions, without regard to the minority population it affects, fosters strong and genuine relationships between the University and minority alumni, they are mistaken. I am angry and disappointed that such decisions are ready to be made without a genuine interest in what is best for the communities that are concerned. This is all such an incredible insult to the minority population here at Duke, who believe it or not, are also dedicated to fostering unity among themselves and people who claim to have the same intentions. Let’s be honest: BSAI and LSRW do not create any issues pertaining to self-segregation that isn’t already deeply rooted in the social system here at Duke. To imply that one weekend has the power to do so is undoubtedly a disgraceful cover-up for a deeper disconnect between the Duke system and the minority population that the administration is evidently unwilling to address. It is my hope that you will fulfill your role as a news source to cover the concerns of the student body that we are taking the initiative to publicize. We are often unheard, and are ready to take back the power and voice we deserve to have as students. Please feel free to contact me via telephone, (608) 512-9758 or e-mail if you have any questions. Thank you, Nana Asante Duke University '12 Disciplinary Advisor, Office of Undergraduate Student Conduct President's Committee on Black Affairs na49@duke.edu (608) 512-9758