Professor Profiled?

Photo credit: AP Photo/Demotix Images, B. Carter

World renowned Harvard Professor, Henry Louis Gates, 58, arrested last week for disorderly conduct, had those charges against him dropped on Tuesday.

Gates who is the Director of Harvard’s University W.E.B. DuBois Institute for African and African American Research,  wonders if this is what happens if you are a black man in America.

Apparently, the professor who had just returned home from a trip to China, found his front door jammed and with the assistance of his cab driver, was attempting to pry it open.

A neighbor who observed what was happening called the Cambridge police, mistakenly believing that burglars were trying to enter Gates’ home near Harvard Square.

Eventually, Gates forced the door open and entered his home.

Upon the arrival of police, Gates was ordered to identify himself, but depending on whose version of events one believes– the police or Gates’– police say, Gates refused.   Gates said he did identify himself, subsequently.

There is no disputing that tensions flared been the officer and Gates, with the latter accusing the officer of racial profiling.

The incident between the professor and the Cambridge police has generated much discussion around the water cooler.  Blacks and whites see it differently–blacks crying foul, saying that this is a case of racial discrimination, while whites support the pro-active stance of the white Cambridge police officer.

Meanwhile, Professor Gates is contemplating undertaking a documentary on racial profiling, even as he continues to weigh his legal options.  He  also wants an apology from the police officer.