Duke Official withdraws after telling students not to speak Chinese

A graduate studies director at Duke University withdrew from his position after sending an email to students so that they will not speak Chinese, suggesting that it is "impolite" and that it could have "unintended consequences".

Megan Neely, of the master's degree program in biostatistics at Duke Medical School, sent the email to first and second year graduate students on Friday after she said that two faculty members complained that she was listening to Chinese "very strong" In the student lounge and in the study areas, the newspaper Duke's Chronicle reported for the first time

"They were disappointed that these students were not taking the opportunity to improve their English and they were being so discourteous as to have a conversation that not everyone could understand, "said a bold part of Neely's email.

Neely said her colleagues asked her to help identify students if they ever applied for an internship or were interviewed by them.

"I encourage you to commit to using English 100% of the time when you are in Hock or in any other professional environment," he advised. Hock Plaza is where the biostatistics department of the school is located, according to the department's website.

I encourage you to commit to using English 100% of the time when you are in Hock or in any other professional environment.

The dean of medical school, Mary Klotman, confirmed Neely's letter to students on Saturday and shared that Neely had resigned his post. Klotman also informed students that the University's Institutional Equity Office will review the master's program in biostatistics "to recommend ways in which we can improve the learning environment for students of all backgrounds."

"I understand that many of you were hurt and angry about this message," he said of Neely's email. "To be clear: there is absolutely no restriction or limitation in the language you use to converse and communicate with each other. Your career opportunities and recommendations will not be influenced in any way by the language you use outside of the classroom. And your privacy will always be protected. "

Screenshots of Neely's email were shared on social networks, which led to the appearance of a similar email that he allegedly sent to students in 2018. HuffPost could not immediately confirm the authenticity of the second e-mail, Neely and Duke representatives did not respond immediately to requests for comments on Sunday.

Michael Schoenfeld , vice president of public affairs and government relations, confirmed the authenticity of the emails to The Chronicle on Saturday night The Chronicle also reported that Neely is still an assistant professor.