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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, JANUARY 14, 2016
www.dukechronicle.com
DUKE RUNS AFOUL OF TIGERS
ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVENTH YEAR, Issue 60
Senior wins Schwarzman Scholarship Claire Ballentine The Chronicle
Han Kang | The Chronicle Foul trouble in the frontcourt and poor execution down the stretch plagued No. 9 Duke, which suffered its first ACC loss Wednesday at Clemson. See story on page 11.
Duke researchers skeptical about gun control changes Neelesh Moorthy The Chronicle Although likely to survive legal challenges, President Barack Obama’s recent executive actions on gun control are also unlikely to produce dramatic change, experts at Duke say. Earlier this month, Obama unveiled new executive actions to help curb gun violence—the most controversial of which clarified what it means to be “engaged in the business” of selling firearms. Existing law requires all gun “dealers” to be federally licensed and to run background checks on all transactions and potentially face prosecution for failing to do so. Obama said that people selling firearms online or at gun shows have not always—but should be—required to complete the background checks found in traditional gun stores. “If you’re doing exactly what Joe’s gun shop
is doing, you just don’t have a physical store, you probably should be licensed,” said Kristin Anne Goss, associate professor of public policy and political science, who studies the politics of the gun control movement. The vast majority of unlicensed private sellers will probably not be required to get licensed under these new guidelines, Goss noted. People selling guns to neighbors one-time-only would not be affected, and the guidance instead addresses those who regularly sell firearms in bulk at gun shows, who Obama said are often not federally licensed. “He didn’t close the loophole,” Goss said. “We think that the vast majority of private sellers are not effectively gun dealers. They’re really just individuals selling guns to their neighbors, and they wouldn’t meet the criteria.” Obama also announced renewed efforts to tackle mental health issues, explore smart gun technology and requested further funding from Congress for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Are Obama’s actions constitutional? Republican presidential candidates lashed out following Obama’s announcement. A campaign website for Senator Ted Cruz declared, “Obama wants your guns,” and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush accused Obama of “seizing on every opportunity to advance a gungrabbing agenda.” Such rhetoric is blown out of proportion, said Philip Cook, ITT/Terry Sanford professor of public policy. He added that Obama’s actions expanding background checks are unlikely to make it difficult for the “good people” to acquire guns. “What Obama is talking about is so modest that only children, convicted felons and people who have been sent to a mental institution by court order are basically going to be blocked from getting a gun,” Cook said. See GUN CONTROL on Page 16
Take the banner in today’s paper to Saturday’s game!
Although the holidays may be over, one Duke senior recently received an additional gift. Emma Campbell-Mohn was recently selected as an inaugural Schwarzman Scholar, an honor which will allow her to study for one year at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The scholarship provides students with the opportunity to improve their leadership skills by pursuing a master’s degree in public policy, economics or international studies. “I was shocked and incredibly excited,” she said. “I’m very grateful to the Duke community for these past four years.” Campbell-Mohn—who is double-majoring in political science and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, with a minor in history—was See CAMPBELL-MOHN on Page 16
Special to The Chronicle Emma Campbell-Mohn will join the first class of Schwarzman Scholars and pursue a oneyear master’s degree at Tsinghua University.