T H E I N D E P E N D E N T D A I LY AT D U K E U N I V E R S I T Y
The Chronicle
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2012
ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTH YEAR, ISSUE 54
WWW.DUKECHRONICLE.COM
YOUNG TRUSTEE
Freshmen can run for Board seat
Living near livestock ups MRSA chances
Translating the web
by John Barker by Ashley Wong
THE CHRONICLE
THE CHRONICLE
Living near livestock populations increases the risk of exposure to certain strains of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus—also known as MRSA—even for residents who do not handle livestock. American and Dutch researchers led by professor Beth Feingold, a visiting scholar at the Duke Global Health Institute from Johns Hopkins University, discovered that livestock-related strains of MRSA spread easily through areas of high livestock density, regardless of individuals’ contact with livestock. The study was conducted by analyzing cases of MRSA reported in the Netherlands, a country with relatively high livestock density per capita in rural areas. The easy spread of bacteria without direct contact is unusual and deserves further research, the study’s authors said. “People living in areas of high livestock density have higher risk, even after accounting for known risk factors like direct contact with animals,” Feingold wrote in an email Wednesday. “It is interesting that most studies have looked only at direct contact with animals as a risk factor, and have not considered the potential for secondary transmission.”
First-year students are now eligible for a spot on the Board of Trustees. Duke Student Government passed an amendment to the Young Trustee bylaws Oct. 18, making it so that first-year students can now run for the position. This has sparked debate over what role freshmen candidates will play in the Young Trustee selection process and whether they have enough experience to compete for a role that traditionally goes to seniors. First-year students have had less time on campus, but they could offer something that older students may not be able to, freshman Grace Oathout said. “Freshmen have the advantage of having a brief, immediate image of Duke since they’re not completely assimilated to the Duke culture just yet,” she said. “They are able to speak on their immediate impression of Duke and see clearly what needs changing.” Each year, a Young Trustee is voted to serve on the Board for a three-year term to represent the student body’s current concerns and interests, as well as provide student perspectives on administrative rulings. Candidates for the position are first vetted by the Young Trustee Nominating Committee and then are chosen via popular election.
CHRIS DIECKHAUS/THE CHRONICLE
Luis von Ahn, associate professor of computer science, talks about his goal to translate the internet into all major languages through a language-learning program called Duolingo.
SEE TRUSTEES ON PAGE 3
SEE MRSA ON PAGE 3
Admin cracks down on DSG affirms‘merit and East Campus ‘bench wars’ ability’ of all students DUKE STUDENT GOVERNMENT
by Emma Baccellieri THE CHRONICLE
by Elizabeth Djinis
East Campus bench pranks are no longer just friendly competition. A series of frequent and damaging bench pranks on East Campus has prompted administrators to take action, including possible disciplinary action against future perpetrators. The “bench wars” have destroyed more benches than in years past, said LB Bergene, East Campus assistant dean for residence life. In an October email to freshmen, Bergene noted that the implications of the bench wars have escalated
THE CHRONICLE
SEE BENCHES ON PAGE 4
Med School dean talks about genetic diseases, Page 2
EMMA LOEWE/ THE CHRONICLE
Basset residents build a new bench on East Campus. Because of recent destructive pranks, administrators are cracking down on students who damage benches.
The Duke Student Government Senate passed a resolution “acknowledging the merit and ability of all Duke students” at its meeting Wednesday. The resolution—which was passed with 41 positive votes, 11 negative votes and two abstentions—was created in light of University discussion regarding affirmative action policies in admissions and the role of diversity on campus. DSG President Alex Swain, a senior, noted that DSG has a responsibility to make sure that students feel supported and respected by their peers and hoped that this
resolution would be effective in cultivating that sentiment. “[The resolution] will send an important message to the student body showing our support for all students,” Swain said. “We as student leaders— when people are feeling like their presence isn’t welcome or appreciated—have the responsibility to solve that.” Some Senate members expressed concern that the resolution denoted an implicit support of affirmative action, as well as appearing to be a response to freshman Jed Bradshaw’s recent letter to the editor published in SEE DSG ON PAGE 4
ONTHERECORD
“It’s easy to do victory laps. But... think about what you want President Obama’s administration to accomplish....”
Cone exhibit opens at Nasher,
—Samantha Lachman in ‘States of Grace.’ See column page 15
Recess page 6