The Chronicle 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
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010
Duke looks to fortify India connection
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH YEAR, Issue 54
www.dukechronicle.com
A heartbreaking speech of staggering genius
by Matthew Chase
Satell will likely appear in court in December
THE CHRONICLE
As President Barack Obama traveled through India throughout this week, he encouraged the country to develop stronger ties with American companies—a goal that has elicited support from many American universities, including Duke. Some U.S. university officials traveled with Obama during his three-day stint in the country, which began Nov. 6. Although Duke representatives did not travel with Obama, many University members have confirmed that Duke wants to strengthen its existing bonds with India. “India is a country of great interest to us,” said Michael Schoenfeld, vice president for public affairs and government relations. “The opportunity is there for education, research, public service—the demand for education in India is huge.” Along with many other universities, Duke plans to eventually establish a permanent presence or site in the country. Plans, however, are not yet entirely clear. Schoenfeld said the Board of Trustees will not be discussing a “specific plan or proposal for India” at its meeting in the first week of December, though Trustees typically discuss
Senior faces child porn allegations by Taylor Doherty THE CHRONICLE
Duke Student Government selected leadership to oversee the Young Trustee process Wednesday night. Eight DSG representatives were elected to fill the eight DSG spots on the Young Trustee Nominating Committee. Before being put to a Senate vote, the 10 nominees were questioned about their campus involvement and bias. The bulk of the committee’s work will take place in January and February, when they will work about three to four hours per week. The committee’s members are freshmen Ajeet Hansra, Andrew Hanna and Ben Shantz; sophomores Christine Larson and Brandon Putnam; juniors Ashley Baker and Louis Ortiz; and senior Joe Catapano. Eight DSG representatives also accepted nominations for the YTNC At-Large Member Selection Committee, which is responsible for filling the half of the YTNC reserved for nonDSG members. Although the Senate had originally planned on electing five members to the selection committee, all eight were voted in.
A Duke student charged with obtaining and possessing child pornography is expected to appear in court next month. Cliff Satell, a senior, was arrested in April 2009 on five counts of seconddegree exploitation of a minor and five counts of third-degree exploitation of a minor. Satell obtained and possessed digital videos of preteen and teen boys engaging Cliff Satell in sexual acts, according to the warrants for his arrest. The second-degree charges are for obtaining the pornographic material and the third-degree charges are for possessing it, Durham County Assistant District Attorney Mark McCullough said Wednesday. “As the legal process is unresolved, it would be inappropriate for me to comment at this time,” Satell wrote in an email Sunday. “I will alert you that Duke has concluded its disciplinary process regarding this matter and I am still scheduled to graduate on time in May and the school will be taking no further action.” Satell is former vice chair of Duke College Republicans and a vocal supporter of senior Justin Robinette, the former DCR chair who alleged that he was impeached because he is gay. Satell also accused the club of improperly removing him from its listserv, but the Duke Student Government Judiciary rejected that claim. Satell has not yet entered a plea, but McCullough said he will likely be called to court during the first week of December. McCullough said that since the case was turned over to him six months ago, he has been in the process of negotiating a plea offer with Satell’s lawyer, William Cotter. Cotter did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Satell allegedly committed the crimes between Feb. 20, 2007 and March 24, 2009, according to the arrest warrants. He was arrested by Lt. Greg Stotsenberg of the Duke University Police Department April 21, 2009. The magistrate originally set Satell’s bond at $175,000, but it was later reduced to $50,000. He was released from
See dsg on page 6
See satell on page 12
audrey adu-appiah/The Chronicle
Dave Eggers, an accomplished author and human rights advocate, spoke at this year’s Weaver Memorial Lecture in Page Auditorium Wednesday. SEE STORY PAGE 3
See india on page 12
duke student government
DSG selects Young Trustee Committee by Melissa Dalis THE CHRONICLE
tracy huang/The Chronicle
DSG selected eight representatives for the Young Trustee Nominating Committee Wednesday. DSG also discussed tailgate reform and DSG diversity.
ONTHERECORD
“Although it’s not explicitly stated, the underlying implication for a lot of these fliers is that alcohol will be involved.”
—Freshman Ani Mohan on East Campus fliers. See story page 3
Duke Football reacts to Tailgate’s cancellation, Page 7
Duke Performances sees decrease in Fall ’10 attendance, RECESS page 3