Call me a cynic, but I have never understood the widespread mentality that Duke really is some kind of "wonderland," Gothic or otherwise.
The prevailing view that Duke is insulated within some kind of metaphorical bubble is often used to suggest that Duke students are unaware of the outside world, but no one ever looks inside our little utopia to see how we perceive ourselves. Everywhere I turn I find people who think that everything about Duke is right and perfect.
But just because you go to Duke doesn't mean you can't criticize it. Just because the University's seal will be stamped on your diploma doesn't mean that you have to approve everything Duke or its affiliates ever do. Just because Coach K is a legend doesn't mean you can't question the successes and failures of a given basketball season.
Ever since 9/11, our country has had a problem with dissent. For some reason, criticism is always viewed as unpatriotic, or, more appropriately in this case, anti-Duke. But as intelligent human beings endowed with the democratic right and duty to speak truth to power, we should always evaluate whether Duke can do things better.
As graduation fast approaches, I've spent the last few weeks doing just that. Looking back at my four years here, I've had some great times, made wonderful friends, grown personally and intellectually and learned a great deal about life, history, the world and people.
But there have also been some major flaws. The student experience at Duke pales in comparison to peer universities-dining, entertainment, lodging and services on campus are beneath what one might expect from our academic standing; even athletics (read: basketball) failed to meet expectations (read: reaching the Final Four).
Moreover, my memories of Duke will forever be defined by the incompetent, disloyal and unapologetic handling of the lacrosse case. Anyone who doesn't see this as a serious error in judgment and a monstrous blemish on Duke's reputation should please consult the following for their opinion: Reade Seligmann, Colin Finnerty and David Evans; their families and the families of current and former lacrosse players; and the empty space in Schwartz-Butters where the 2006 NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse National Championship trophy should be.
Finally, Durham always seems to get a free pass. I've written about this before, but it's worth mentioning that despite a little bit of flair and character, Durham is definitely more dangerous, less entertaining and has fewer unique attractions to offer than the cities in which our peer institutions are located. If you disagree with me, I hope you have the courage to share your convictions with the family and friends of Abhijit Mahato before you send me hateful e-mails.
I guess the conclusion I've reached is that Duke didn't quite live up to its potential. Duke is more than just a name, it's a community of scholars and athletes and real people. That's how we should treat Duke-as a vehicle for improving the lives of those it touches-and we should always strive to enhance our little village in whatever ways we can.
The problem is that Duke functions more as an institution than as a living organism. And institutions are naturally expansionist and self-fulfilling: They tend to seek more power, create additional bureaucracy and incentivize the pursuit of internal political goals and favorable public relations at the expense of concerns for student interests.
Duke is no different. If you look at the things students want most-judicial rights, fewer paternalistic regulations, a vibrant West Campus social life-Duke is sorely lacking. I understand that the University has to care about legal liability, but these things should never define an institution's existence and behavior; they should be, at most, external side constraints on the realm of the possible, not the only available courses of action-which they all too often are.
After all, it was this kind of motivation that led those in charge to screw over a few students just to minimize PR damage. We need only consider the stack of lawsuits currently facing the University to demonstrate how poor decisions without concern for students can be.
Duke needs a real transformation-away from politics and bureaucracy and toward student interests-in order to truly be elite and unrivaled. My only hope is that when I come back to Duke in the future, students will tell me without equivocation that Duke really cares.
Maybe then I'll open my checkbook for more than an $0.88 senior gift.
Jon Detzel is a Trinity senior. This is his final column.
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