As of Monday evening, nine students continued to occupy the main administration building at Duke University, protesting what they see as poor treatment by the university of its employees.
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After two years and two failed investigations, Duke University students are demanding that a criminal investigation into Executive Vice President Tallman Trask’s alleged run-in with a parking attendant be reopened.
The university added how the students have, so far, met with the institution’s president, provost, vice president for student affairs, associate vice president for student affairs, dean and vice provost, as well as faculty leaders.
Students also demanded that they be granted immunity from looming trespassing charges, which the university initially rejected but later complied with, saying it would help “move to towards a peaceful resolution”.
It’s been about a decade since the administration building was occupied by protesters, Schoenfeld said, but “protests at Duke are neither rare nor identical”. While Trask has acknowledged that he did unintentionally hit Underwood, he denied having made any racial comments and claims that Underwood stepped in front of his auto, refusing to let him park in his usual spot.
School spokesman Keith Lawrence said Tuesday that the protesters were still sitting near President Richard Brodhead’s office in the Allen Building, which is closed for a second day.
“While the details of what happened are a matter of disagreement and subject of civil litigation, I recognize that my conduct fell short of the civility and respectful conduct each member of this community owes to every other”, Trask said in a statement. “I express my apology to Ms. (Shelvia) Underwood and to this community and re-commit myself to ensuring that these values are upheld for all”. By Sunday night, some had pitched tents to sleep outside the building.
One student, Laura Haft, said, “It’s not in Duke’s interest to arrest us and it’s not in Duke’s interest to have us in here for several months”.
We demand the immediate termination, without compensation, of EVP Tallman Trask III, VP Kyle Cavanaugh, and PTS Director Carl DePinto.
Monday morning, Trask broke his silence and issued a public apology, bending to the protesters demands.
A top Duke University official involved in a dispute with a parking attendant two years ago is apologizing to the woman. Students also had a list of demands that called for an independent investigation into the Trask incident and reforms in hiring practices, along with the resignations. Said counsel is to have no pre-existing relationship with Duke University, Duke University personnel, administrators, or board of trustees.
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Several media outlets attended the press conference, which was held at the intersection of Chapel Drive and Duke University Road. This pay rate is closer to a living wage that strengthens their ability to meet their basic needs with dignity.
