Freshman orientation at Duke University should be a memorable experience for the class of 2019.
Incoming students are expected to read and discuss the book Fun Home, which includes graphic scenes and cartoon drawings of masturbation and oral sex.
Described as a “tragicomic” memoir by author Alison Bechdel, the book deals with some heavy topics such as suicide and sexual identity. The book follows Bechdel’s relationship with her father, the director of a funeral home, which the family refers to as the “Fun Home.” The memoir also chronicles Bechdel’s experiences coming out as a lesbian and discovering that her father was also gay.
The book was selected by the Duke Common Experience committee – a group composed of faculty, students and staff. One student committee member said that choosing Fun Home as this year’s book was not an easy decision.
“I was hesitant at first to support it as a welcoming text to Duke University,” junior Ibanca Anand told the Duke Chronicle. “Then I realized how critical these discussions are for so many of us, and it’s important that we establish this school as a place that is open and unafraid to talk about things that affect people.”
Fun Home was among six books that made the final round of the selection process. Jordan Hale, director of New Student Programs and co-chair of the selection committee explained the process in a university news release.
“Every year we compile a list of Common Experience opportunities recommended by faculty, students and staff, and discuss the merits of each option,” Hale said. “After a few rounds of readings and conversations, our committee reduces the list to five or six experiences. We then reach out to the Duke community for their feedback.”
History professor and selection committee member Simon Partner defended the group’s choice in the news release.
“Because of its treatment of sexual identity, the book is likely to be controversial among students, parents and alumni,” Partner said. “I think this, in turn, will stimulate interesting and useful discussion about what it means, as a young adult, to take a position on a controversial topic.”
According to the university, the Duke Common Experience Program is intended to give incoming students a shared intellectual experience with other members of their class, using the summer reading as a focal point.
Copies of Fun Home will be mailed to students this summer and group discussions of the book will be held during orientation week.
