Last week, we published an op-ed written by a Duke housekeeper and Durham native. Nahshon Blount argued that the university, “as one of the richest institutions in the country,” should—and can—pay staff higher wages and contribute more financially to the Durham community instead of cutting jobs. Readers have had a lot to say in response.
From reader Naomi Feaste by email:
In my humble opinion …
Mr. Nahshon Blount’s op-ed was quite informative. Many years ago when I lived and worked in Durham, I recall Duke workers expressing similar if not the same issues that Mr. Blount raised in this op-ed. Amazing! So here we are in the 21st century and Duke workers are still calling for livable wages. Wow! I’d love not to hear this.
Yes, Duke University and the Duke Health system are second to none. These are outstanding institutions! I really hope that those top decision-makers will listen to the voices of those workers who are often less heard although they provide quality and necessary services.
I think some minds would change if these services were lost for a day or a week. In my humble view, every part of a healthy quality functioning body or institution must be valued, respected, and actually given its proper due or that body or institution suffers in some way. For example, try walking with a missing big toe or writing with a missing index finger. You may still function, but likely with significant challenges.
All body or institutional parts may not demand as much attention as other parts, but they are essential and deserve proper care. That’s the human way.
From reader Kirk Brown by email:
Having worked on Duke University’s campus in the food industry, although not employed by the university, I witnessed the dedication of these extremely hard working people, day in, day out. They are the backbone, the roots, the fundamental element that has, and will, hold their work to the highest standard. Most are in it for the long haul, proving their commitment to the university.
With this in mind, it’s disappointing and disgraceful that threats of being fired is Duke’s response to POSSIBLE funding shortages from Capitol Hill. I’m almost embarrassed to say I’ve associated with the Blue Devils. One more thing, this is directly in line with what the fascist administration running our country is doing to immigrants since January.
From reader Greg Cordones by email:
He’s correct! Duke can grab the proverbial Bull by the horns and show some leadership instead of backsliding into the old ways. The wage stated in the article is ridiculous, if not criminal. Shame on the university for not stepping up!
From reader Labarion Fullard by email:
Duke has always been notorious for low wages. Most of my peers been working there over 30 years and can’t afford a decent home to live in. I remember when I was making $4.50 an hour in 88.
From reader Loretta Liles by email:
I totally agree! Duke is such a big name all over everywhere … why not start here … set the stage for other health systems and universities to follow.
Justin Laidlaw interviewed Emerson Kirby, the newly elected chair of the Durham County Democratic Party and recent Duke grad. In the story, Justin notes that a primary takeaway from Democrats’ electoral losses last year “is that party leadership is, quite frankly, too damn old” and that a new, younger “class of political leaders are gathering their forces and preparing to upend the gerontocracy.” One reader had a different take.
From reader Hart Edmonds by email:
As a lifelong Democrat, I well remember the days when younger leaders were invited to be seen, but not heard. That has not served Democrats or the country very well. At the same time, I also detect a degree of “ageism” in this coverage about a new generation of young leaders. “Let’s kick older leaders to the curb so that we can get on with progressive policies and ideas” seems to be the unspoken vibe. I find that approach self-defeating.
As an involved member of the Orange County Democratic Party, I can say that if retired and still energetic adults were not actively engaged in the party, there would be no party to speak of. Retired adults have more time and often less responsibilities that allow more opportunity to participate in community affairs. While I welcome Emerson Kirby as an energetic new chair of Durham County Democrats, I would also encourage her to affirm how generations can work together effectively and creatively. Also, after reading this interview with Kirby I’m hard-pressed to know what particular issues and policies she’s an advocate for. Lots of generalities were mentioned. Where’s the appeal in vagueness? Often, far too often, vagueness is on the side of the status quo.
SO, until young leaders are able to passionately commit to fighting for specific policies and issues, I remain in wait and see mode. And voting patterns do matter. Older adults vote more regularly than younger voters. How will that change with younger leaders? Interestingly, Bernie Sanders demonstrates in his national anti-oligarchy tour with AOC, how intergenerational politics can energize all generations.
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