Durham police and Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) officers cited 175 Duke students for underage drinking during the first week of classes after officers raided three parties at houses off-campus in the Trinity Park area.
"I can understand why the neighbors and the police and others have lost their patience with this issue," said Sue Wasiolek, assistant vice president for the university's student affairs department.
At the same time, Wasiolek said the university is concerned about students' rights.
"What this has created for the students is a real fear that ALE might be lurking around every corner," she said.
For many of the students, the punishment was a $200 fine and 50 hours of community service. They must also write a five-page paper about the effects of alcohol on the body.
"I just think it's a little ridiculous to be honest with you," said Duke freshman Timothy Garvinsky.
Some students, however, did not plead guilty, believing their constitutional rights were violated. Their attorneys will argue that point in a hearing set for Oct. 27.
In mid-September, Durham police arrested four Duke students at a pool party at a Durham apartment complex after receiving disturbance complaints. Earlier this year, the university got national attention when police broke up a party that featured female students wrestling in baby oil.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
