Renne-Brown report released
Update, March 19, 2007:
The University and Dr. Akom acknowledge the merit in their respective views of the October 25, 2005 incident, and so came to a mutually agreeable and satisfactory resolution of their differences.
Update: March 17, 2006:
San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris has informed us that the criminal charges against Dr. Antwi Akom have been dismissed because she believes that the interests of justice can be best served not in the criminal courts, but within the University community, relying upon our extensive procedures for responding to incidents involving faculty. The Collective Bargaining Agreement clearly spells out faculty discipline policies, processes, and sanctions and the role of the appropriate administrators in determining whether personnel action is warranted. Any such actions are, of course, confidential.
What remains is a need to address the underlying issues reflected in the initial response by many on campus that racial profiling had taken place. Though we know that it did not, the Academic Senate and I will be discussing means of ensuring that, as I wrote earlier, we continue to be –- and be perceived as –- a just and trustworthy community. We also are responding to the four recommendations in the Renne-Brown report. Among other actions that you will soon hear about, we are reviewing the building closure policy and will ensure that both it and the identification policy are clear and familiar to all on campus.
The following message from President Robert A. Corrigan was sent to faculty and staff on March 13, 2006.
March 13, 2006
Dear Colleagues:
Today the campus received the long awaited report from former City Attorney Louise Renne and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown concerning the October 25, 2005 encounter between Dr. Antwi Akom and members of our Department of Public Safety. With charges of racial profiling and battery on a campus police officer being exchanged, we considered this to be a grave matter, not only legally, but morally. This is why, as I wrote shortly after the incident, we called for an independent external review and selected two individuals whose many years of experience, professional expertise, and reputation for integrity would give us confidence in their findings.
The interview team has done an outstanding job of reviewing all the evidence and speaking with almost everyone who had any connection to the events that night, with the exception of Dr. Akom himself, who declined several invitations to be interviewed, as well as my offer, made immediately following the incident, to meet with him. I urge you to read the cover letter and full report which have been posted on our Web site at: http://www.sfsu.edu/~news/announce/106.htm.
In the first of its two main conclusions, the Renne-Brown report finds that "neither Officer Rodgers nor any other member of the Department of Safety engaged in any racial profiling against Dr. Akom" -- nor did the security guard. With regard to the allegation of battery on a police officer, the report indicates that Professor Akom was the aggressor and that there "is not a single witness to the initial interaction between Dr. Akom and Officer Rodgers who substantially supports Dr. Akom's version of events, that the altercation began when the officer 'charged him'." The detailed findings supporting these conclusions are laid out in the report.
The report also comments on the investigative tactics of the Department of Public Safety and raises issues about how the campus makes known its policies on building closure and after-hours access, as well as requirements for showing identification. Chief Wible will have a report to the campus community on these and other issues within a week.
While we have a report that makes clear that no racial profiling took place, we cannot simply put the matter behind us. I cannot say too strongly how real and devastating a phenomenon racial profiling is in our society, having observed first hand the pain and anger that it can cause. This University cannot and will not tolerate such behavior, which flies in the face of our historic commitment to equity and social justice. But neither, as I have publicly stated on a number of occasions, can we condone a physical assault by one member of our campus community on another.
Since the incident, I have been urged by a number of people to petition the District Attorney to drop all charges against Dr. Akom. However, it has been our impression that he wishes this matter to be handled in the courts, a desire that the University is prepared to honor.
Clearly, the initial assumption of racial profiling and fears of police misconduct that provoked the passionate messages I have received from members of the campus community expressing concern about their own well-being and safety are unmistakable evidence that we need to redouble our efforts to both be -- and be perceived as -- a just and equitable community. In this effort, I know that you will join me.
Robert A. Corrigan, president
