Eastman School of Music student says he was racially profiled
Rochester, N.Y. May 15 2021– The University of Rochester is addressing racial profiling claims from a Black student at the Eastman School of Music, who claims he was verbally harassed on three separate occasions by two school security officers.
Jahshanti Henry is a sophomore flute major at Eastman.
Tuesday, Henry recorded a video of an encounter between himself and what appears to be a campus security officer. Henry says it was not the first time he has felt he was the victim of racial profiling at the school.
In the video, an officer can be heard saying, “You have three options right now. You can give me your ID, give me your name, or you can leave the building.”
Henry says he was sitting on a bench in the school when he was approached by the officer. Henry says another student reported he appeared “suspicious” to the officer.
“It doesn’t make me feel good because I’ve been at the school for 11 years. I’d think you’d know me. Ultimately, I do understand, but I don’t want to see the other students going through this,” said Henry.
Henry attends Eastman on a full scholarship through a pathways program with the Rochester City School District.
As a School of the Arts graduate, Henry says attending Eastman was his dream from a young age.
But, he says he thought it would be different.
“Going to Eastman was very much a cultural shift. I’m glad to have these friends, but I feel like more of these students should be educated that black students go to this school as well,” said Henry.
We asked the U of R for an on-camera interview to address the allegations, but they would only provide a written statement.
A spokesperson confirmed Tuesday’s incident, calling it “unsettling and frustrating.”
With an investigation underway, the university is also re-examining Eastman’s campus procedures and training for public safety officers.
“At the end of the day, we are students. A lot of people think our job is how to educate others on how to not be racist. That’s not our job,” said Brittney Burgess, a graduate adviser for Eastman’s Black Student Union.
Meanwhile, Henry says these encounters won’t change his love for the school or the music.
“My message is really to just be proud of the skin you’re in. If you’ve made it to Eastman or made it to the U of R, that’s a great accomplishment. Nobody can take that away from you,” said Henry.
The university could not confirm if the officer involved in Tuesday’s incident is still employed there.
However, a spokesperson says they are open to working with the Black Student Union to ensure the safety and respect of all students.
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VIDEO: https://13wham.com/news/local/u-of-r-addresses-racial-profiling-claims-by-eastman-school-of-music-student
