Harvard Professor’s Arrest Demonstrates Deep Racism
Last week one of our country’s most respected African-American scholars was arrested by Cambridge police. Unsurprisingly, this isn’t the first time a Harvard professor has fallen victim to racial profiling by police. Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. was arrested Thursday afternoon at his home by Cambridge police investigating a possible break-in. Gates was simply attempting to repair a damaged door at his own home. By the time police arrived he was already inside and produced identification to prove his residence. They arrested him anyway.
Racism at our nation’s highest academic institutions isn’t new. But is this because it occurs more often in white affluent environments or because we pay more attention when someone of distinction is the victim? While the answer may not be clear, this particular situation debunks many recent assumptions about race in America.
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- Amy Mehta
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- Axel Fuentes
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