Video Captures SFSU Student Verbally Harassed For Dreadlock-Style Haircut
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) - Officials say they're investigating an altercation on the San Francisco State campus involving an African American woman who confronted a white student about his hairstyle.
Video of the incident captured on March 28 shows a woman - who was erroneously reported to be a university employee - cornering an unidentified student with a dreadlocks-style hairdo as he says, "You're saying I can't have a hairstyle because of your culture? Why?"
An argument then ensues between the two. When the student tries to end the confrontation by walking away, the woman is seen stepping in front of him and grabbing him by the arm in order to prevent him from leaving the scene.
"Get off of me," the student is heard saying.
When the student finally walks away, the woman then confronts the person behind the camera, asking, "Why are you filming this"?
"For everyone's safety," the cameraman replies.
Campus police say they have launched an investigation after the video taken on their campus went viral.
University officials released a statement which read in part: "University police were called to the scene of the incident when it occurred. The two individuals involved in the incident are not San Francisco State University employees. Further, no criminal charges have been pressed at this time to the University's knowledge.
"San Francisco State University promotes the rights of the campus community to engage in free speech, but does not condone behavior that impedes the safety or well-being of others. We are taking the matter seriously and will promptly and thoroughly investigate this incident through applicable University channels, including our campus student conduct procedures."
