Students discuss campus self-segregation at forum

A group of approximately 50 students and administrators participated in an open forum on self-segregation Wednesday night.

Those in attendance said they recognized the existence of self-segregation on campus but noted that it does not always have negative consequences, as many people contend.

The forum was sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. It was prompted by fliers calling for the end of self-segregation posted on the Class of 1948 bench-also called "the black bench" by many students-two weeks ago. The bench is located outside the entrance of the West Union Building, adjacent to the bus stop.

The discussion, which covered topics ranging from parties to minority recruitment weekends, centered predominantly around "the black bench"-which is thought of by many as a symbol of self-segregation on campus.

Sue Wasiolek, assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said that in her 32 years at the University, she does not remember a time without "the black bench."

"I don't feel like 'the black bench' is self-segregating.... If the bench allows someone to fit in some way and feel a part of a smaller community, I think that is great," she said, adding that she does not speak on behalf of the administration. "But it would frighten me if we all only belonged to one community here."

Senior Brandon Hudson illustrated the differences in the way students treat the "the black bench" and the Inter-Fraternity Council fraternity benches.

"There aren't even signs on 'the black bench' saying you can't sit there," he said. "There are no 'whites only' or 'coloreds only' water fountains. Why are people still thinking this way?"

"It is highly difficult to go up to a table and be like, 'Yo, can I sit with you?'" Flores said. "Walking past 'the black bench' makes me feel uncomfortable. [There are] people who are the same skin color reminding me of my skin color."

Alejandro Torres Hernandez, also a senior, said when he went to a party his freshman year where he was one of only a few minority students, he felt that people focused attention on him as he moved from room to room.

"It made me feel uncomfortable," he said. "I've internalized it and said, 'In order to avoid those situations, I won't confront those situations."

"In the same token, you miss a lot of opportunities when you avoid people from other races just because you're afraid of reliving experiences," he added.

Freshman Devon Sherwood, who noted that he is the only black member of the Duke men's lacrosse team, said despite the initial "culture shock, he feels accepted by the rest of his team.

"If you get into other things that aren't defined by race or culture, you'll find more friends across the board," Sherwood said.

Still, the majority of those who spoke at the forum said they found it more natural to participate in activities that were specific to their own race or culture, noting that they find support in the black community.

"Having a black community is part of the reason I came [to Duke]," said senior Krishana Wooding.

Chandra Guinn, director of the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture, said discussions about self-segregation have occurred since predominantly white institutions were integrated a few decades ago.

She identified herself as a strong advocate of "black people knowing their history and heritage."

"Being black in America continues to be challenging," Guinn explained. "Some people escape it, or try to escape it, but it's a challenge."