2008 Woodie Awards
The administration's mismanagement of lacrosse
Guest column
By: Steven Baldwin
Issue date: 10/24/06 Section: Columns
Last update: 10/24/06 at 7:55 AM EST
Last update: 10/24/06 at 7:55 AM EST
- Page 1 of 2 next >
Last April I wrote to The Chronicle in support of Mike Pressler, former coach of men's lacrosse at Duke. At that time I was concerned that the decision to fire him had been premature, coming only a few weeks after the fateful Buchanan Street party, and certainly long before all of the facts were known. Now, six months later, it is quite clear that my concerns were justified.
I do not ascribe to President Brodhead's position that someone had to fall on his sword to atone for the March 13 lacrosse party. But even if one does buy into that silly notion, why was it coach Pressler? Certainly the several reports emanating from President Brodhead's committee's looking into the lacrosse incident identified a number of individuals more culpable than Pressler. If the goal were to send a message, wouldn't firing Executive Vice President Tallman Trask, Athletics Director Joe Alleva, Vice President Larry Moneta or Dean of Students Sue Wasiolek-or all of them-have been more appropriate?
As displeased as I am with Pressler's firing, my biggest concern has always been with Duke's treatment of the student athletes at the center of the storm. These kids were abandoned by their university. At least one of the indicted students, perhaps all three, was trespassed from Duke property. They were denied the presumption of innocence, despite the mounting evidence that the case against them is made of smoke and mirrors and is fatally flawed procedurally. They have been pilloried by their faculty and scorned by the administration. They are pariahs.
As a Duke faculty member I regard my students in much the same way I regard my children. When my kids do something wrong, I demand accountability. When they break the rules they pay the price, whatever that might be.
With that accountability, however, comes support. My kids know I love them and that I will do everything I can to help them through the rough times. That is what families do. I treat my students the same way.
I do not ascribe to President Brodhead's position that someone had to fall on his sword to atone for the March 13 lacrosse party. But even if one does buy into that silly notion, why was it coach Pressler? Certainly the several reports emanating from President Brodhead's committee's looking into the lacrosse incident identified a number of individuals more culpable than Pressler. If the goal were to send a message, wouldn't firing Executive Vice President Tallman Trask, Athletics Director Joe Alleva, Vice President Larry Moneta or Dean of Students Sue Wasiolek-or all of them-have been more appropriate?
As displeased as I am with Pressler's firing, my biggest concern has always been with Duke's treatment of the student athletes at the center of the storm. These kids were abandoned by their university. At least one of the indicted students, perhaps all three, was trespassed from Duke property. They were denied the presumption of innocence, despite the mounting evidence that the case against them is made of smoke and mirrors and is fatally flawed procedurally. They have been pilloried by their faculty and scorned by the administration. They are pariahs.
As a Duke faculty member I regard my students in much the same way I regard my children. When my kids do something wrong, I demand accountability. When they break the rules they pay the price, whatever that might be.
With that accountability, however, comes support. My kids know I love them and that I will do everything I can to help them through the rough times. That is what families do. I treat my students the same way.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 51
jimv
posted 10/24/06 @ 8:51 AM EST
Great article that 95% of people agree with. I guess it's not politically correct to agree however. How does Broadhead not get fired???? It is amazing and the Board of Trustees should get rid of him ASAP !!!!!!!!!!!
Duke parent
posted 10/24/06 @ 8:52 AM EST
Mr. Baldwin,
As a Duke parent, I would like to thank you for this column. It is reassuring to know there are professors such as yourself at the university. (Continued…)
TBocker
posted 10/24/06 @ 8:55 AM EST
Finally! Thank you Prof. Baldwin for once again speaking out in behalf of the indicted Duke students. Now let me see.....Law Professor Coleman, womens' lacrosse coach Kimmel, and Prof. (Continued…)
Stuart Egerton
posted 10/24/06 @ 9:08 AM EST
A Carolina grad ('76) applauds you, Dr. Baldwin. Men like you earn our utmost respect.
Stuart Egerton
Wilmington, NC
Larry Humphrey
posted 10/24/06 @ 9:20 AM EST
Thank you Prof. Baldwin.
Larry Humphrey
E'83
Jim Huitt
posted 10/24/06 @ 9:28 AM EST
I have been in a funk overe the academy's silence, Baldwin begins to restore my faith. I was graduated from the Duke Law School in 1976 and thought I was taught by giants: Paschal, Sparks, Christie, Dellinger, Havighurst, Everette. (Continued…)
duke parent
posted 10/24/06 @ 9:36 AM EST
Very well said! We have been waiting for this message for a long time. To the rest of Duke faculty, where are your voices? Where are your concerns about truth, justice, and due process? Or, have you conveniently put them aside for the time being? How do you think your actions will be seen by others, fairer than you, when this travesty is over? Will you be proud of those actions? I suspect not. (Continued…)
tigger
posted 10/24/06 @ 10:02 AM EST
Thank you for the well deserved article.
I am confident these young men will be given their lives back.
I truely hope they return to Duke, since they represent what Duke is all about. (Continued…)
John M. Murtha
posted 10/24/06 @ 10:21 AM EST
As a parent of a 2006 Duke grad I could not agree more with the views of Prof. Baldwin. It breaks my heart to see these young men treated as they have been by a faculty and administration that know better, and should be ashamed of themselves. (Continued…)
e v hoffman
posted 10/24/06 @ 10:23 AM EST
Thank you Professor Baldwin! Thank you for restoring my faith in the intelligence of the faculty. I figured there must be some faculty smart enough to see the truth and brave enough to say it!
Post a Comment