Black students and police tried to heal damaged trust caused by accusations of racial profiling at predominantly black parties through a forum held Thursday night.
The forum, titled "Partying While Black," addressed whether Charlottesville Police treat predominantly black parties differently than predominantly white parties.
Attended by students, administrators and police officials, the forum was prompted by the closure by police of a party Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house. The party was sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta, a black sorority.
Dean of African American Affairs M. Rick Turner said "one of the major issues is communication" in trying to deal with the alleged racial profiling, and the forum was designed to foster this communication.
Student reaction to the forum, which was sponsored by traditionally black Iota Phi Theta fraternity, was mixed.
The forum "began the dialogue," said Darin Simmons, director of issues for the Black Student Alliance. Charlottesville Police "know it's an issue now," he added.
"Our students have had unfortunate experiences," said Aaron Laushway, assistant dean of students for fraternity and sorority life. "The students have one perception, the police have another perception."
Police and partygoers gave differing accounts. At the forum, Charlottesville Police claimed that a group of Charlottesville residents, who were not University students, were outside the party, making the situation dangerous.
Another point of contention arose because an off-duty police officer, hired by Delta Sigma Theta to stand guard at the party, called in to headquarters that there was a problem. When headquarters called back, he missed the call, causing alarm and perhaps prompting the police to send more units.
Some students disagreed with the assertions of the police. However, the Charlottesville Police shift commander declined to comment and Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy Longo could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Consuelo Kendall, president of Delta Sigma Theta said there were no disruptions or fights at the party. Attendees were frisked before entering, and no alcohol was allowed. She added that the only people allowed into the party were University students on a list and their guests.
The Delta Sigma Theta event was not the first time Black University students have complained of unfair treatment by Charlottesville Police at parties. Last April during the Spring Fling festivities Charlottesville Police shut down two predominantly black parties prompting claims by some of racial bias.
Turner said that though administrators, students and Charlottesville Police met last spring to discuss the issue, no concrete steps were taken to prevent future conflicts between black partygoers and police.
Turner did express optimism about Longo's willingness to work with the University to improve the relationship between police and black partygoers.
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