By james art The university is investigating two incidents of vandalism in the Gilbert-Addoms dormitory on East Campus and one in Keohane 4A — including a number of ripped-out fire exit signs and a broken patio chair, as well as a “emptied” fire extinguisher and hallway wall damage, respectively.
According to a Wednesday email from Keohane Quad Residence Coordinator Sam Hodges to neighborhood residents, the university has “obtained video and partial photos of the students responsible” and is “in the process of identifying the culprits.” He noted that for those who committed the acts, “the presentation may lead to some leniency.”
He also explained that the university can use security cameras to identify students who “engage in disruptive behavior.”
The university is asking for more information from the community about all three incidents.
“Incidents of vandalism not only affect the occupants of the space, but also require extra attention from our facilities and housekeeping teams,” Jill Solomon, associate dean for residence at East Campus, wrote in a Thursday email to The Chronicle. “We encourage everyone to maintain a respectful shared living environment.”
Vandalism falls under the property/facilities/services section of Duke’s Community Standard, which notes that “damaging, destroying, or defacing another’s property” may be subject to disciplinary action. The standard does not specify the exact disciplinary actions associated with acts of vandalism.
According to Solomon, when incidents of vandalism occur, Residence Life files an incident report with the university and contacts the residence hall community to request additional information.
Dane Wagner, residence coordinator for GA and Southgate, sent an email to GA residents on Oct. 7 detailing the vandalism and asking the community for any information about the incidents. Wagner gave students the opportunity to slip an anonymous note under their office door.
“With concerns like this in the past, when we couldn’t identify who was responsible, we used a public charge that was shared throughout the building,” he wrote.
Wagner noted that while the university does not currently impose a public fee, any information received could help “prevent this from happening.”
“Preventing vandalism requires a community effort. It is important for the entire community to hold each other accountable, to respect each other and our shared facilities,” Solomon wrote.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.
Ananya Pinamaneni is a first year at Trinity and serves as a reporter in the news department.