A National Problem
Although statistics for racial profiling on college campuses are scarce, the issue has gained national attention in recent years, and several studies have been done in isolated states. In Maryland, a 1999 study found that although Blacks represented only 14 percent of drivers on certain highways, they made up 72 percent of those pulled over. A San Diego study earlier this year found that Hispanics comprise 20 percent of the city's driving-age population, and Blacks make up only 8 percent. But when it came to traffic stops, 29 percent of Hispanics and 12 percent of Blacks were targeted. Also, Hispanics made up half of all drivers whose cars or occupants were searched after a traffic stop, according to the study.
Last spring, MSU police did eventually arrest a suspect in the credit union robbery. But Benson says his staff learned a key lesson from the mistake they made in the barbershop.
"It hadn't occurred to us if you embarrass someone, you've got to do things to make it right," Benson says. "The cops all leave the barbershop but then everybody in there is looking at that young man saying, ‘What did you do?' That thoroughly
embarrassed the young man in front of a lot of people."
Benson says some of the 12-point plan's diversity training will involve developing ways to handle such situations better. The crux of the plan, he says, is getting to know students on campus well — long before a crisis situation arises. Says Benson, "I can say that we are definitely building some good relationships here."
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
