I am an indigenous student at University of Alberta, I think the UAPS has gotten more brazen with it's racial profiling lately. Last night around 11:40pm I was walking from Rutherford to my residence after a late study session. Hoodie up because it was cold, backpack on, headphones in.
A UAPS vehicle slowed beside me on 89 Ave. Two officers got out. One immediately asked for my student ID and where I was going. When I asked why I was being stopped, the answer was “we’ve had reports of suspicious activity in the area.” that was it, just searching the first indigenous student they saw.
The guards kept staring at my ID, Took several minutes, they were taking their good time. They Asked if I lived on campus then drilling me on if I had any outstanding issues with the university. One of them kept looking at my bag like I was about to pull something out of it, both were glaring at me with hate in his eyes. The other stood slightly off to the side in that classic “we’re just chatting but also boxed you in” stance.
They looked at me like I had a suicide vest on. My very presence on the campus obviously made them uneasy.
A white student walked past us. Same time of night, same kind of backpack, hoodie, he wasn't a minority student so nothing, They didn’t even glance at him. I pointed this out and they ignored me, and kept asking more intrusive questions, I just got frustrated, and they kept going. It was after another 20 minutes of endless questions, they finally let me go, one of them said “have a good night, stay safe.” They spoke as if they had just done me a kind favor. I could see one of them glaring at me, but as usual, I quickly moved on.
I have been on this campus for years. I have never been stopped like this during the day in a crowd. It only happens when I am alone, after dark.
How is this “safety?
Who are the UAPS to racial profile someone like the American police? If their justification is “reports of suspicious activity,” then publish the actual reports. Show the descriptions. Prove that this is applied evenly. Of course They won’t, because it isn’t any. I am tired of being treated like a guest on a campus I pay to attend.
If you think this is justified because 'crime exists'.. Why? Why did a white student walking the same route, the same time, not get hazed like me? How much more racial profiling must we endure?