A video of a Black 20-year-old North Carolina college student is going viral after she is seen being arrested for a nonviolent altercation between her and her professor.
The student, who has only been identified as Leila, was in a class at Winston-Salem State University when officers were called to the classroom over a heated exchange. In the video, Leila is seen asking officers to stop hurting her after she was forcefully arrested. While in handcuffs she is heard saying “I hate you” repeatedly to her teacher who has been identified as Cynthia Villagomez. The arresting officer is named Michael Rau.
According to a witness, Leila and her professor got into an argument over a school assignment. She faces a misdemeanor of disorderly conduct and is scheduled to appear in court January.
WSSU’s chancellor, Elwood Robinson, released a statement stating he wants to ensure “all grievances are addressed.”
“Our staff is working diligently to ensure all resources are available, all processes are followed, and all grievances are addressed,” the statement reads. “While we would like to share all the details we have, under privacy laws (FERPA, personnel records) and to protect the process integrity, all information cannot be shared publicly. We know you want immediate answers; however, the speed of our processes does not match the speed of social media.”
The statement continues: “In accordance with law enforcement procedures, our officer’s first priority is to assess the situation and provide every opportunity for a positive resolution. As situations escalate, their responsibility is to ensure the safety of the students, faculty, and staff members that are present. We understand that the weaponization of police is a prevalent problem in our community; however, that is not what happened in this incident. We strive for a safe, inclusive, thriving, and intellectual community where all our faculty, staff, and students feel respected and supported. To that end, we will take swift and appropriate measures against any situation that contradicts those ideals.”
The video has since sparked outrage on Twitter.
“A professor at Winston-Salem State University had one of her students arrested for the simple fact she wouldn’t apologize to her. Not only did she pull her race card, but when the other students came at her she played victim,” tweeted one user.
“so this happened today in class at WSSU. The professor antagonized her and was yelling at her and when she responded the professor demanded she apologize or be taken out in handcuffs ! A white prof. just had a black student arrested,” tweeted another.
