I ask you, what should we do when we see instances of blatant racism and just plain old injustice such as we see in this case?
Some folks claim that they are tired of the outrage; that some of us have made careers out of getting outraged. I ask those who are suffering from such apathy to remember that it was the outrage of seeing what happened in Selma, Alabama back in '65 that moved a president to action and galvanized decent people to protest against the injustice. It was the outrage of seeing the battered face of a fourteen year old boy lying in an open casket that inspired activist, and strengthened the resolve of those who were growing weary. It is outrage and the fear of outrage which will eventually put an end to this tyranny which is being visited on black and brown people in this country.
And now another case that calls for outrage. You cannot watch the video below, and look at the circumstances surrounding it and tell me that you are not outraged. Outraged at the actions of the officer, and outraged at the response of Arizona State University.
Professor Ore is an English professor whose research interests include cultural studies, according to ASU's website.
http://www.azfamily.com/...
Dr. Ore was going about her business when she walked out in the street so as to avoid construction on the sidewalk. As you can see in the video, everybody else is doing exactly what she did. Watch as the officer demands to see her id and what happens next:
Professor Ore now has four criminal charges pending, and an arrest record.
criminal charges of assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest, refusing to provide identification when requested to do so by an officer, and obstructing a highway or public thoroughfare.”
After reviewing the tape of what went down, somebody in an important position at ASU sat down and penned this response:
“ASU authorities have reviewed the circumstances surrounding the arrest and have found no evidence of inappropriate actions by the ASUPD officers involved. Should such evidence be discovered, an additional, thorough inquiry will be conducted and appropriate actions taken.
http://www.azfamily.com/...
If you feel outraged at what you have seen in the video, you may be moved to contact the president of the university:
Academic/Administrative Requests
Office of the President
Mail Code 7705
PO Box 877705, Tempe AZ
85287-7705
Phone: (480) 965-8972
FAX: (480) 965-0865
email here: