In an effort to help victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., faculty and student groups have planned fundraising and other events for the upcoming days.
Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences William Chafe has organized a forum for 7 p.m. Sunday in Page Auditorium. Several students and faculty members will speak, including Dean of the Divinity School Greg Jones.
Most notable among student actions are the widespread fundraising efforts by groups ranging from Duke Student Government to Spectrum Organization. One coalition, coordinated by junior Ethan Brown and funded by DSG and the Interfraternity Council, plans to place tables at the Bryan Center, the Cambridge Inn and the Marketplace to raise funds--through flex or cash--for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
Brown, a member of Theta Chi fraternity, said he was moved by the campus reaction at Wednesday's vigil. "[Students] are waiting for something to happen where they can get involved," he said. He added that he hopes the effort will show the community that the greek system cares deeply.
In addition to the tables, Brown said Mugshots bar has agreed to donate proceeds from the night of Sept. 19 to the relief efforts. And he hopes to plan a similar event featuring Duke acapella groups Sept. 21.
DSG President C.J. Walsh, a senior, said another coalition plans to sell American flags in the Bryan Center next week. Those funds will go toward relief efforts.
Walsh said he will try to help centralize relief efforts, which are now simultaneously being coordinated by different groups for different specific causes. Few student leaders knew about other groups' efforts Thursday afternoon.
Spectrum President Polentzi Narvarte said his group will hold a relief drive at the Bryan Center and in the Marketplace next week. "It's for Duke students that have been personally affected by the tragedy who may need help trying to get a plane ticket back home to be with their families," the junior said.
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Sue Wasiolek said the make-shift crisis center on the second floor of the West Union Building offered support services Thursday to students who still have not heard from relatives and friends believed to have been in the World Trade Center towers.
Narvarte said Spectrum has also set up a message board in the Bryan Center for students to share their thoughts. Narvarte added that the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture will serve as a gathering place for students who need support.
The center also has information for possible victims of hate crimes and hate speech.
Other groups, too, are addressing the potential discrimination Arab and Muslim students could face. Diya and the Muslim Student Association set up two times for students to gather and discuss their feelings. One took place Thursday night, and another is scheduled for Saturday on East Campus. MSA President Lala Qadir, a senior, said the University has been lucky thus far. "The Chronicle reported incidents of verbal harassment. I heard about that and about people feeling they're getting some stares and what-not," Qadir said. "[But] in comparison to the rest of the country, Duke is extremely fortunate."
Dave Ingram contributed to this story.
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