Protesters oppose sexual violence

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DURHAM -- A cacophony of clanging pans pierced the crisp morning air today as a group of Duke University students, neighbors and activists spoke out against sexual violence.

Bundled in sweaters and sweatshirts, about 100 people gathered at 610 N. Buchanan Blvd., where a woman said she was raped this month at a party hosted by players on the Duke men's lacrosse team.

The woman, hired as an exotic dancer, says she arrived late March 13 to perform for what she thought was a small gathering. Instead, she and another dancer were surrounded by about 40 men, some shouting racial slurs.

The women began to leave, but went back inside after a few of the men apologized. That's when the victim said she was pulled into a bathroom, sexually assaulted, sodomized and beaten.

"This is a wake up call to challenge sexual assault and racial violence," Manju Rajendran, 25, a Durham resident and organizer of Sunday's event, said through a bullhorn just after 9 a.m. "We're trying to break the silence. ... Women have a right to dignity and respect."

Durham police are investigating the alleged attack and last week took DNA samples from 46 lacrosse team members. No charges have been filed in the case. Duke officials are awaiting findings from the investigation before deciding what actions to take.

Even so, university officials did forfeit two lacrosse games Saturday, saying that conduct at the party was inappropriate. While players have told administrators that the woman was not assaulted, they admit to serving alcohol to underage students and hiring women from an escort service.

Attendees at Sunday's event criticized Duke for being too lenient on team members. Some protesters carried signs including one that read, "All rapes deserve outrage."

About 60 of the protesters marched around the corner to the home of Duke Provost Peter Lange. After about 10 minutes of their clanging and chanting, he came out in a Duke T-shirt and ball cap.

Protesters peppered him with statements and questions.

"This is an extremely serious crime, if it happened," Lange said. "We don't know the facts of what happened in the house. We have allegations. ... The only people who have the means to discover what happened in that house are the police."

Duke President Richard Brodhead also released a statement today to blunt criticism of how the school has handled the matter .

"Physical coercion and sexual assault are unacceptable in any setting and have no place at Duke," the statement said. If the allegations are verified, they will "warrant very serious penalties."

One protester told Lange that the issue went beyond one incident. She said that Duke needed to do more to help and protect the community.

Duke has struggled in recent years with community relations over the behavior of its students. Neighbors have grown weary of loud music and drunken antics. Many have complained that students have no regard for those who live there.

Duke bought more than a dozen homes in the area to help stamp out the problem. And it works with a neighborhood association to resolve issues.

"I believe we've been doing a lot," Lange said. "There is always more work to be done."