HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — UPDATE: Click here for the latest statement from UAH President Darren Dawson, released October 19. Scroll down to read the statement.
The president of the University of Alabama in Huntsville has apologized to the family of a Black teen who was pulled over by campus police after the teen's mother posted about the incident on social media.
President Darren Dawson issued the apology Wednesday, two days after the 17-year-old's mother wrote on Facebook about the Oct. 3 incident. In her post, she says that she viewed video of the traffic stop. She says her 17-year-old son was stopped by the officers for what was said to be a cracked tail light and one asked him several times if he had drugs “or a dead prostitute” in his car.
Dawson said the “words and actions” of campus police during the incident do not represent the school.
Statement from UAH president Darren Dawson, October 19:
"Today members of my senior administrative team and I met with the young driver involved in the October 3 traffic stop and his parents. We informed the family that this incident has been investigated and corrective actions have been taken.
"We again apologized for the incident and had a meaningful and productive conversation about how we will improve our service to the UAH and Huntsville communities. Our action plan includes:
•We are reviewing UAHPD policies and procedures to ensure they align with best practices.
•We will increase awareness of channels to report concerns (UAHPD Citizen Complaint Form, Ethics Hotline and Charger 360).
•We will form a committee of campus partners to review the practices, policies and procedures of the UAHPD, and make recommendations where appropriate. Laterrica Shelton, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, has been selected to chair this committee.
•UAHPD will undergo additional training.Together we will work diligently to strengthen our community relationships and ensure all members of our community are treated fairly, equitably,
Here at UAH, our core principles include acting with compassion and respecting all persons by embracing cultural humility, diversity and person-centered care. The words and actions by UAH police during a traffic stop on October 3, 2020, do not represent who we are as an institution.
I have spoken with the family of the young driver to offer my sincere apologies and address the family’s thoughts, ideas and concerns.We are continuously looking for ways to improve our service to the UAH and Huntsville communities. We will use this as a learning and training opportunity.
Our action plan includes:
Increase Accountability and Transparency
• We are reviewing UAHPD policies and procedures to ensure they follow best practices, provide channels to report concerns and always ensure transparency.
Community Centered Approach
• We will be proactive and increase positive interactions with the campus and UAH community as well as community partnerships.
Training
•UAHPD will undergo additional training.
Each of you is vitally important to us as an individual. We recognize our responsibility as a university to ensure that all members of our community are treated fairly, equitably, and with understanding. We will work diligently to embody our core values of integrity and respect, diligence and excellence, inclusiveness and diversity.
Respectfully,
Darren Dawson
President