Apartheid. USA 1988

April 23, 1987:

A serious incident at Columbia College in New York City heightened concerns about race relations among students. On the night of March 21, 1987 a brawl broke out outside Ferris Booth Hall, the student activity center. A white student, who had assertively made racial comments to a black student, was confronted by the black, who spilled beer on him. A fight followed, involving 10-15 people. More racial slurs and scuffling followed on the steps of the center. The white student had responded by touching the black student's head, saying, ‘Nice hair buddy’ or words to that effect. He was with 4 or 5 other white students and was then confronted by 5 to 7 blacks. At this point two white students came out of Ferris Booth Hall, and one was hit by an unidentified black man. The white student's hat was taken and as he raced to Broadway, he was jumped by several black men. After that, more scuffles broke out on the steps and the surrounding area. Several black and white men were knocked to the ground and a great deal of yelling by observers took place. Racial obscenities were shouted. Columbia College conducted an investigation and now issued a report. Dean Robert E Pollack said that one white student was found guilty, but disciplinary records were being kept secret, because of a strong belief in the right of students to confidentiality.^87.

87. The New York Times, from a report by Deirdre Carmody