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
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTH YEAR, Issue 78
www.dukechronicle.com
Panel debates NCI raised concerns after Duke review women’s role in progressives potti investigation
by Lauren Carroll THE CHRONICLE
Delta Sigma Phi held the very first fraternity progressive on Duke’s campus 20 years ago, and the rush tradition still stands today. But as the fraternity rush season begins, many students have brought to light the notorious nature of the progressive parties, which are known for their female hosts. Often, the women are invited to drink hours before the party and instructed to entertain freshmen boys, the potential new members. Their tasks vary in severity from fraternity to fraternity—anything from bartending to providing sexual favors. A panel of greek leaders and Women’s Center administrators gathered Tuesday evening to discuss the controversy surrounding progressives. The forum, entitled “Perspectives on Progressives,” was sponsored by the newly-formed Greek Women’s Initiative, a group of sorority and fraternity leaders whose goal is to raise awareness of challenges faced by greek women. About 30 students—mostly women—attended the session. “When you speak to [sorority] leadership, most of us are on the same page in that we believe progressives are negatively affecting women, but [that is] not to say that everyone feels that way,” senior Bogna Brzezinska, president of Panhellenic Association and See progressives on page 12
Chronicle graphic by addison corriher
Documents reveal that the NCI continued to have doubts over a paper authored by Dr. Anil Potti even after a Duke review restarted clinical trials based on the research. by Zachary Tracer THE CHRONICLE
Recently released documents show that federal researchers had more concerns than previously reported about the nowdiscredited cancer genomics research conducted by Dr. Anil Potti. According to the documents, the National Cancer Institute continued to raise questions about the research and its use as justification for clinical trials at Duke even
after a Duke review concluded in late December 2009 that the trials could continue. The information in the NCI documents is another indication of the growing doubts about Potti’s research in the months leading up to his suspension and resignation. NCI scientists reported in early June that they could not reproduce the results of a key research paper co-authored by Potti that was being used to justify clinical trials, the documents show. The paper,
DukeALERT texts now mandatory by Ashley Mooney THE CHRONICLE
ted knudsen/The Chronicle
All students will now receive DukeALERT messages by text message, a change from the previous policy, which made it optional.
published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2007, purported to use a genomic test to predict whether a chemotherapy drug known as cisplatin would be useful in treating an individual’s cancer. “We have been unable to reproduce any of the results reported for the cisplatin chemosensitivity predictor as they were presented in the [JCO] paper, which has See potti on page 6
duke university union
Marketing Club to host ’60s-themed party in Perkins
With the increasing popularity of text messaging, the DukeALERT system has undergone a change in policy. Students will now be required to receive emergency notifications via text message, replacing the previous opt-in policy. “During the last several years, text messaging has become an increasingly effective way to reach many members of the Duke community because so many people are constantly connected via their cell phones,” said Paul Grantham, assistant vice president of communication services. Receiving alerts via text message was optional until Dec. 20, when all students were required to provide their phone numbers as a part of the standard student data verification process. The approximately 4,000 employees who use Duke-purchased cell phones for business are also required to join the system. DukeALERT, which added its text messaging option
After a year-long delay, students looking to trade in their notebooks for champagne flutes can do so next month at Perkins library. As the von der Heyden Pavillion is transformed into a 1960s jazz lounge, students, faculty and staff attending “Mad Men and Mad Women” Feb. 25 will have the opportunity to network with advertising and marketing professionals. The Duke Marketing Club, in collaboration with the Duke University Union, the John W. Hartman Center for
See dukealert on page 6
See duu on page 12
ONTHERECORD
“There is a false idea that we are somehow at war with Muslims.”
—Special Rep. to Muslim Communities Farah Pandith. See story page 3
Dr. Marvin Swartz on gun control, Page 4
by Joanna Lichter THE CHRONICLE
Durham Connects expands to entire county, Page 3