<p>jeepmom said:
“One thing that I will say about college safe-ride programs - most of them are all student volunteer programs - very little funds - so maybe the students of Duke need to step up a bit here - if they are understaffed - and become a solution.”</p>
<p>Totally agree.</p>
<p>Also agree that the best way to get the real skinny for any school is to check student newspapers’ websites. You’ll likely walk away scared to death, but you’ll get the true picture.</p>
<p>I suspect by comparison, Duke won’t look like a horrible place. Still, the issues of the past couple of years likely make communication and cooperation between town and gown there difficult. The students themselves are much more likely to be able to build bridges and make change than are angry parents calling in.</p>
<p>First condolences to the family of this young man killed in Durham, NC. This is a tragedy not of any more importance than the violent death of any innocent victim. As a parent, I feel that the world in general is much more violent and as the Economy gets tight they look for easy victims. Duke, being characterized by rich kids, become easy targets. Talk to YOUR kids about safe rules…being out late at night in any city is asking for trouble…because trouble is out there. This is a very unfortunate story but one which we hear every night on the nightly crime report aka news. I wish we could stop the violence.</p>
<p>Dear Member of the Duke University Community, </p>
<p>I write to share my great sadness over the sudden and senseless death of Abhijit Mahato, a graduate student in the Pratt School of Engineering, who was murdered in his off-campus apartment this weekend. Having spoken with Professor Tod Laursen, in whose lab Abhijit was making important contributions, I have a sense of his great promise and endearing character. I extend my sympathy to Abhijit’s friends and colleagues and to all members of the Indian and Hindu community for this appalling loss. A celebration of his life will be held in Duke Chapel later this week. </p>
<p>Since news of Abhijit’s death was first reported by the Durham Police, many people at Duke have been working to provide support. I am grateful to Professor Laursen and his Pratt colleagues and to our International House for reaching out to students, especially our many international students, at this painful time. The professional staff of CAPS is providing counselling to those who need assistance. I met today with representatives of the Indian Ambassador from Washington to express our grief and concern for Abhijit’s friends and family in India. </p>
<p>We have also learned from Durham Police that there has been a spike in armed robberies throughout Durham in recent weeks. This means that recent assaults on Duke graduate students are part of a larger issue. We have received assurances from city authorities that they will make every effort to investigate and resolve these issues. Meanwhile, under the direction of Associate Vice President for Campus Safety and Security Aaron Graves, Duke is increasing off-campus patrols by Duke Police in selected areas near the campus, consistent with our agreement with the city. Since this will divert some police personnel from their usual campus responsibilities, the university is increasing its use of hired security forces to maintain a strong security presence on campus. A meeting is also being scheduled with off-campus landlords to discuss improving security in facilities that have experienced recent crimes. </p>
<p>On Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., an open forum for the Duke Community will be held in the Schiciano Auditorium of the CIEMAS Building. Aaron Graves, Larry Moneta and other university officials as well as representatives of the Durham Police will answer questions and review the things each of us can do to help ensure our own safety. </p>
<p>Finally, anyone with possible information about Abhijit Mahato’s death or any of the recent robberies is encouraged to contact the Duke Police at 919-684-2444 or Crimestoppers at 919- 683-1200. </p>
<p>Sadly, Durham has been having these difficulties for at least the last 15 years. I lived in Trinity Park (East Campus area) and left a lovely 80-year-old home in 1994. The final event that compelled me to move was when my home was robbed at 10:00 AM on a weekday. I had taken my then 2 and 4 year old children for a stroller walk to the nearby park. When I returned home, the french door to the screen room had a pane broken out and a butcher knife was lying in the coffee table in the den. During the five years I lived there my home was attacked four times (tools taken from garage, screen room “walls” cut, hypodermic syringe found lying on a porch swing pillow one morning). Many of my neighbors had been robbed as well. One family found a dead man lying in their front yard one Sunday morning (true story, not an urban legend). Durham has a horrible problem with gangs and drug related problems. I really doubt that there is much the campus police can do. Duke has beefed up its security. Most of the campus buildings (including the East Campus cafe and fitness center) can no longer be entered without a security card and, the police have a big presence.</p>