We all know that education, tenure, and the production of literature that contributes significantly to this nation’s culture do not provide a shield against racism. Still, it hurts to watch the reckless spread of unethical and stupid policing policies that are either driven by, or result in, racial bias. Last Thursday, Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr.–one of our nation’s leading public scholars–was arrested on his front porch for disorderly conduct. Let’s see….Dr. Gates arrived home after filming a documentary in China, only to face some trouble with the lock on his front door. He managed to get into his home, but was soon greeted by an officer, who questioned whether Dr. Gates was the resident of the home. Dr. Gates provided identification to prove to the arresting officer that he was, indeed, at his own home; but was still arrested for “loud and tumultuous behavior.”

Unfortunately, this event reminds me of another professor whose arrest raises questions about the practices of law enforcement. Several years ago, San Francisco State Professor Dr. Antwi Akom was arrested when returning to his office one day after hours. Is this trend of arresting scholars for being African American in presumptively “white” environments the bastard child of Jim Crow segregation? What were they missing–a “black code” of some sort? This is not effective or intelligent policing. I’ll say again that law enforcement is a necessary function in our society, however this is not policing. This is harassment. This is bullying. These types of actions are eroding the trust we need to feel safe in our communities.

The arrest of Professor Gates is totally outrageous, and provides further evidence of a need to deeply examine the pattern of racial bias and practice of racially profiling our communities.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris

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