While touring Colorado State University, two hopeful students encountered an experience that took a shocking turn. A mother accompanying another prospective student contacted campus police regarding the two Native American boys, claiming their presence made her feel “sick.” This incident has sparked widespread condemnation as yet another troubling case of racial profiling.
The students, named Jason Running Deer and his brother Ethan Skywalker, traveled from New Mexico, borrowing their mother’s car and spending seven hours on the road to visit their dream school. Lorraine Running Deer, their mother, expressed her desire to give her sons the opportunity to explore their future. However, upon arriving, they were pulled from the tour due to the woman’s alarming call.
In the transcript of the call, the woman described her discomfort:
WOMAN: Hi … I’m here with my son on a campus tour … There are two boys who aren’t part of our group. Their behavior is just really strange, and I’ve never called anyone on anybody before, but they joined us. They won’t even tell us their names, and it feels like they’re lying about why they’re here. They just look so different … like their clothes are really dark.
Despite admitting that she may be “paranoid,” she insisted on calling the police. The dispatcher reassured her that it was acceptable to report her concerns.
WOMAN: If it’s nothing, I apologize, but they actually made me feel sick, and I’ve never felt like this before.
DISPATCH: Are they white males?
WOMAN: I think one is Hispanic, or maybe Native American. One of them said he’s from New Mexico.
After being removed from the tour by campus police, the boys had their right to participate confirmed, but by then it was too late. They missed out on their tour and had to return home disappointed. “I was really worried about my sons’ safety and told them to come home right away,” Lorraine Running Deer said. “Our family is heartbroken and outraged over this incident of racial profiling, and we’re let down that the school didn’t take better measures to protect my boys from this kind of humiliation.”
This incident echoes a recent event in Philadelphia, where two Black men were unjustly arrested at a Starbucks after a similar call to the police.
In a statement from the president of Colorado State University, the university extended its apologies and offered to reimburse the Running Deer family for their travel costs, along with an all-expenses-paid return trip for a “VIP tour.” Dr. Alex Smith emphasized that no individual should be made to feel unwelcome based on their appearance or background. “The notion that anyone could ‘look’ like they don’t belong on a CSU Admissions tour is unacceptable. All individuals, regardless of race, gender, or appearance, should feel at home here,” Dr. Smith remarked.
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In summary, the alarming incident at Colorado State University highlights the ongoing issue of racial profiling and the need for greater awareness and inclusivity on campuses. The actions taken by the university in response are a step toward ensuring that all students feel welcome and safe in their pursuit of education.