"They took away our alcohol, and we stood by and watched. Then they took away our housing, and we stood by a watched. Then they tried to take away our bonfires, and we went to war."
Trinity junior Lauren Rothenberg also explained that the display of student unity exemplified last night at midnight was the student body's attempt to fight back against an administration that it perceives to be taking away its rights.
The crowd stood around its fire like an army of devils, however, and burned the benches before the administration had the chance to confiscate them first.
They chanted "Burn, Nan, Burn," "Go to Hell, Nan," and "Let it Burn" as fire officials, law enforcement agents and administrators stood by, watched and let the students have their fun.
Major Robert Dean of the Duke University Police Department noted that the circumstances surrounding last night's event were unique because the students were not under the influence of alcohol and were not celebrating a men's basketball victory.
Officials seemed to be more concerned with inciting a riot similar to the one that took place Saturday night-the danger from the fires themselves appeared to be considerably less pressing.
"We're only worried that the students are going to start a riot and we want to prevent that," said James Reardon, a Durham firefighter. "My job is dangerous enough as it is: This is bullshit compared to what I deal with."
It was not the NWA song, titled "F--- the Police," that blasted over the quad last night, but the Guns 'N' Roses melody, titled "Welcome to the Jungle," that played from a Wayne Manor room. The Guns 'N' Roses anthem seemed to embody the energy of last night's display of student will, a departure from the confrontational tone that characterized Saturday night.
Two students-one selective house member and one independent-organized the events.
"This is not only about burning benches," said one of the students, who asked not to be identified. "When the administrators blatantly disregard student opinion, students will come together to make their opinions heard. The administration fueled the fire, and tonight they got burned."
The organizers maintained that their actions had nothing to do with the administration's statement that it would confiscate 14 benches.
"We did it because we were fed up with the administration's unwillingness to compromise," they said.
The events were awe-inspiring for many onlookers who gathered with more than 1,000 other students to witness the bonfires that the administration had tried to deny them.
"I've been here four years and this is the greatest thing I've seen since I got here," Trinity senior Jason Eisenberg said.
Despite the officials' decision to allow students to continue unimpeded, several questioned the administration's failure to anticipate last night's rebellion.
"If [the administration] had planned this out ahead of time, it wouldn't be a problem," Reardon said, noting that the first bonfire-which took place in front of Wayne manor-should have been held in an open area, away from trees and buildings.
Officials not only took issue with the administration's lack of foresight but also with the students' indifference to safety concerns.
"For very intelligent people, this is piss-poor judgment," said Bruce Lynch, a Durham firefighter.
Despite reservations about both administrative and student judgment, the firemen cooperated in order to meet the best interests of all parties involved. They stoked the flames with a poker to make the fire burn faster, and extinguished the fires left behind as the crowd moved to new ones: In doing so, the firemen allowed students to have their bonfires, accommodated administrative concerns for safety and prevented the spread of fire across campus.
Contrary to the opinions of most of last night's revelers, some students felt as though the bonfires were uncalled for.
"I understand the point of it, and I support that," said one student who wanted to remain anonymous. "But I think there are more important things for the students to focus on."
Most students, however, appreciated the opportunity to vent their frustrations with the administration after Saturday night's contentious atmosphere.
"After watching Saturday night and tonight, tonight is much safer," Trinity sophomore Alex Heyman said. "I wish the administration would take note of how safe and responsible we can be."
But administrators on the scene last night were at a loss for words.
"This is absolutely one of the lowest points I've had," Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Sue Wasiolek said, noting that she had nothing further to add as she watched nearly 20 benches go up in flames.
Dean of Student Development Barbara Baker, who also was called to West Campus last night, declined to comment.
Jessica Moulton contributed to this story.
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