In recent years, police departments across the country have drawn increased scrutiny and ire from the public after longstanding issues of systemic racism and abuses of power have come to light – with devastating outcomes. In many cases, these issues of racism and discrimination extend to college campuses, where police or security firms frequently patrol campuses and respond to calls in offices or dorms, impacting both students and faculty of color.

Earlier this year, Dr. Steven Osuna, a Latino professor of sociology and criminology at California State University Long Beach, accused campus police of racial profiling when he got locked out of his office, and responding officers refused to let him back inside without identification. Osuna told officers he had recently lost his ID while on vacation – and pointed out that white colleagues had been allowed back into their offices without providing ID.

In their defense, the police say they were just following standard procedures – and they called for an investigation of Osuna and alleged he made a false claim of racial bias, which could negatively affect his career. These incidents of racial profiling on college campuses are not limited to faculty and can adversely impact students as well.

When Racial Profiling Happens on Campus

It is undoubtedly necessary for colleges to have police or security firms on campus – they can respond to calls from students, faculty, or other staff members who are in distress and help keep everyone safe. However, racial profiling is very real and can lead to unequal and unfair treatment of certain groups. Often members of targeted groups will avoid contacting police altogether, as many people of color have been accused of and even detained for crimes they didn't commit. This can cause their campus experience to be more threatening and unsafe than for other groups.

In addition to the emotional toll, racial profiling can also negatively impact a student's educational and professional future. When responding to a call, campus police send reports of the incident to the university's authorities, which will ultimately determine what types of charges or consequences they will pursue. Ultimately, the campus police have a lot of freedom regarding what they document and how – meaning they could choose to record the incident in a way that casts them in the best light. That's why consulting an experienced legal advisor is essential when you have been a victim of racial profiling.

What To Do If You Are a Victim of Racial Profiling

If you've been unfairly targeted by campus police because of your race, you need a skilled attorney-advisor on your side who can help you fight for your rights – and keep your promising future on track. Attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm have successfully defended hundreds of students across the country – in fact, student defense is their specialty. Don't hesitate to get in touch with the Lento Law Firm today – they are here to help and always have your best interests at heart. Call 888.535.3686 or contact us online to get started.