Just the facts about race

By Karl Cassell

Editor's note: Gazette columnist Jennifer Hemmingsen is on vacation.

Much has been made about the recent arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. by Cambridge (Mass.) police Sgt. James Crowley and President Barack Obama's response.

Though not aware of “all the facts,” the president, like the rest of us, already knew that Gates had been mistaken as a burglar by neighbors and subsequently presented identification to rectify the error but was still arrested on his porch. We also knew the charges were later dropped.

Obama frequently responds to a variety of issues. His opinion on the professor's arrest is not only expected but encouraged by his constituency and the media. Furthermore, the president has authority over our country's military and law enforcement agencies. All he did was state his opinion, free speech protected by the Constitution.

Let's evaluate the facts. Sometime after Gates presented his identification, something transpired that led to where we are today - divided on whether race played a role in the arrest.

Having heard the 911 call, one cannot definitely say there was evidence of racial profiling. However, the argument is really about what happened at the professor's home, not what brought the police there. You can only imagine (without facts) Gates' humiliation and outrage at the possibility he could be suspected of breaking into his home. You might also imagine (again, no facts here) the possible embarrassment felt by the responding officers while they try desperately to save face. Once outside the house, the indignant professor calls the officer racist and further states, “You don't know who you are messing with!” Not to be outdone, the officer arrests the professor on disorderly conduct charges.

Could we be dealing with ego on both sides? Why neither of these respected men chose to take the high road could be debated for a long time. The true cause for concern is not this case specifically, but understanding that perception is just as important as intent and that the issues surrounding race relations cannot be ignored, underestimated or repaired with Band-Aids or platitudes. While minorities are often thought of as whiners who play the “race card,” facts reveal disparities in the criminal justice system. These issues must be faced head on with honest communication, a commitment to real justice and proactive steps toward reconciliation.

The inequality in the criminal justice system is only one of many dialogues we as a community should have to improve understanding and deal with just the facts.

Karl Cassell is executive director of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission.