Speaks Out

A bill attempting to reduce racial profiling has been
passed in the California Assembly. Under the bill, police would be
required to hand a business card to each person they pull over.
What are your reactions to the passage of the bill?
Josh Alberktson First-year graduate student
Neuroscience and biochemistry "I think racial profiling in some
cases might be wrong and in some cases it might be right. I think
having the police give their cards to the people will stop some of
the police abuses of power, but I don’t think it will do
anything for racial profiling. It doesn’t distinguish which
cops are stopping people because of race. It will have no effect on
racial profiling, but I think it’s a good idea on its own.”
Anesia Zeller First-year Biology "I think
it’s kind of ridiculous. But if some people feel like
they’re being discriminated against, then go ahead ““
it’s not going to be a huge expense. From my experience
it’s not a problem, but I’m sure that it is a problem
for some people. But I don’t think such legislation is
necessary.” Tiffany Jew Third-year
Physiological Science "I think that it will make a difference.
Since now the police know they have to hand out the cards,
they’ll be more careful. If they are discriminating then they
will have to think twice before they approach the person and decide
to stop him. It will help awareness, since there is definitely a
problem in Southern California. It’s a start, but it’s
moving slow. I support it.” Michael Coleman
Fourth-year History "I think it’s a good idea, it will help
out a lot. I think racial profiling is still a problem. I’ve
told my friends that if they feel like they’re being
discriminated against to look at a badge number and ask for a name.
If the police give you a hard time ask them questions and sometimes
they’ll leave you alone. I would rate the bill pretty highly;
I think it’s a good thing.” Mayra
Yniguez First-year Physiological Science "I don’t
think it’s really going to work because even if they get the
cards, you still have to go to the police department and go through
a process. Some people may feel intimidated by that. I do think
it’s a problem though, since I have friends that have been
stopped for no reason just because they’re black or Mexican.
I think that’s wrong. More action should be taken; something
should definitely be done about this. At least they’re making
an effort to try to stop it.” Nick Williams
Third-year English "I think it will just overload the system with
complaints because people will be given an easier way to do so now.
All the people that complain about racial profiling would probably
complain anyway, so they don’t really need these cards. Maybe
if they do more racial training with the police department, that
would make them more sensitive to other people and those that they
are pulling over. That would be more helpful.” Speaks Out is
compiled by Cuauhtemoc Ortega, Daily Bruin Senior Staff. Photos by
Keith Enriquez, Daily Bruin Senior Staff. Web adaptation by
CHRISTINE TAN.