Thursday, April 15, 2010

What I learned at Duke University School of Law

On Wednesday, April 14, 2010, I attended an event at Duke University School of Law, on the Duke University campus in Durham. The event featured U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer in a sit-down interview with David Levi, Dean of the law school, and Walter H. Dellinger, an attorney with vast Supreme Court experience. Open to the public on a first come first served basis, the interview was a very informative, in that it provided the audience with insight as to how the Supreme Court works and how the justices interact. Observations of Justice Breyer gave glimpses into the man who presented a relaxed manner, approachable demeanor, thoughtful speech, and effusive sense of humor. Fifty minutes later, at the conclusion of the three person public conversation, I began my exit from the large classroom, which was populated mostly with law students. My plan was to catch a bus to downtown Durham, then transfer to a bus that would take me to my residence in Raleigh.

Little did I know, as I made my egress from the room, that my real education would come after Justice Breyer had spoken. Upon leaving, a uniformed security guard honed in on me and asked me what I was doing there. To me, that seemed like a rather dumb question, but I answered anyway, telling him that I had come to see and hear Justice Breyer. I offered to give him one of my Committee on Justice for Mike Nifong business cards that had my contact information, but he refused, pointing to his pants pocket and saying, “I already have one.” He then informed me that I was trespassing on private property and that he was there to see that I left the grounds. I asked him why I was being forced off the property, and he told me that he did not know why… that he was just following orders. When I requested the name of the person who wanted me off Duke property, he told me “the building manager”… and he may have given me the last name of an individual. However, that was as far as I got, as he refused my request to speak with the person responsible for my ouster… repeatedly saying that Duke University is private property, that it has the right to have me removed no questions asked, and that he was merely doing his job.

As former Duke Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. would readily understand, I was incensed by the security guard telling me to leave the grounds for no reason and then trailing me like a shadow when I complied, as though I were a common criminal. Not unlike Professor Gates, I, too, had a few choice words to say to the guard, to express my displeasure at the unforeseen (at least to me) turn of events. Now, evidently some of my colorful words, though neither profane nor wisely chosen, seemed to cause the guard some displeasure as he responded by calling in backup with his walkie-talkie. A Duke security patrol car materialized in seconds, with an officer exiting it who looked ten times more menacing than the first security guard. So as I walked toward the bus stop, now with two guards in tow, I overheard one of them mention something to the other about getting my identification. Again, my indignation blinded my better judgment and I scowled, “…and don’t even think about asking to see my identification!” I was then corrected by one of them who said that they would see it if they wanted to see it. Shortly thereafter, the city bus came lumbering up the street, and the guard flagged it down for me. I don’t recall whether or not I thanked him for hailing the bus, but I do remember him telling me as I boarded that since our initial encounter approximately fifteen minutes ago I was on the verge of being arrested three times.

In reflecting back on the day’s adventure, I tried to figure out when I had come close to the brink of arrest. One time that stands out is when the guard gently tugged on my sleeve in the direction of the door exiting the building and I vigorously withdrew my arm and said in an elevated tone, “Don’t touch me!” Another time might have been when I was asked about where my car was parked, and I flashed my all-day transit bus pass in his face… close enough so that he could read the fine print. I’m not sure about a possible third time, although early on he did remark to me that I was encroaching on his personal space. Anyway, fortunately for me, my encounter with the enforcement agents ended differently than Professor Gates, and I spent the night in my own bed and without bail.

Now I do not think the discriminatory treatment I received at Duke University was racially motivated, as I was the only African American targeted. Neither do I believe that I was discriminated against for being an arrogant African American man (politically correct phrase for “uppity Negro”) because I was not exhibiting such behavior prior to meeting the security guard. The reason I believe that I was being discriminated against was because I am a Mike Nifong supporter. This was most likely apparent because of the official Committee on Justice for Mike Nifong tee shirt that I was wearing… which had the logo, the web address, and the words “Committee on Justice for Mike Nifong” on it.

I guess the reason I was surprised by the trespassing charge being lodged is because I was invited to the event on the Duke campus, which was advertised as being open to the public. Also, I had worn the very same tee shirt on the Duke campus and in its law school building many times in the past without any problem, at least of which I was aware. My behavior was unremarkable, as I spoke briefly with fewer than a dozen people while awaiting the start of the event and did nothing to provoke anyone.

I came away from Duke University that day with life lessons that are invaluable, and worth sharing as following:
1) It is incredibly easy for a black man to get arrested. Even though I was abiding by the laws of the land, not in the active commission of a crime, behaving myself, and minding my own business, I was subjected to discrimination based on my being a Nifong supporter that could have easily resulted in me being jailed. Even though my presence on the campus in the first place was due to a poster which invited the public to the on-campus event, one of the charges against me would undoubtedly have been trespassing on private property. And you can rest assured that "resisting arrest" would be tagged on to the trespassing charge automatically.
2) It is not wise to sass a security guard or police officer. As Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and I can now attest, vigorous verbal expression to authority about unjust discriminatory treatment usually results in no positive outcome, and in the case of a black male protester, the likely call for additional backup by said authority... which does not bode well.
3) The campus of Duke University is a First Amendment Free environment. In other words check your First Amendment Rights of free speech and expression at the property line. Any expression of support of former Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong, such as wearing a tee shirt in his honor, is likely to result in expulsion from the grounds as it did in my case.
4) Openly showing support for Mike Nifong on the Duke University campus may be hazardous to one’s health. In general, Duke University staff and personnel seem to have a deep seeded antipathy towards Mike Nifong, most likely engendered by the prejudicial statements made against him by the biased mainstream media. An aversion to Mr. Nifong might also spring from a wariness of the university or individual being sued by the litigation-happy attorneys of the carpetbagger families of the Duke Lacrosse defendants.

An observation that strikes me most is that Duke University School of Law is a large, powerful institution with a prestigious reputation. My visits to the campus have been extremely rare and almost always of short duration. I find it astounding that a member of its staff or faculty would feel so threatened by a tee shirt that expresses an opinion that might not be in sync with the overall position of the university, that he/she would evict that individual solely on that basis. Since the days of Aristotle, scholars and students would come together in institutes of higher learning to engage in civil debate over differences of opinion and controversial issues. From my presence on the Duke campus, it is also an observation that Duke Law School faculty and staff are not willing or ready to discuss the history of the Duke Lacrosse case and the selective and unjust disbarment of Mike Nifong. The reason for this is obvious, especially among the law school professors and staff… that reason being that they know that the North Carolina State Bar’s treatment of Mike Nifong was selective and unjust, as was the excessive and draconian persecution of him by the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, other state agencies, and the courts. It may take a generation or so before the faculty and staff will feel free to discuss the disgraceful treatment of Mr. Nifong and the Duke Lacrosse case. Presently, as my eviction from the Duke University campus yesterday emphatically proves, that day of open and free expression and debate at that institution, about the Duke Lacrosse case and Mike Nifong’s selective and unjust disbarment, is a long ways off.

No glutton for punishment and not wishing to be jailed on unprovoked trumped up trifle, I do not foresee a return visit in the near future to these particular environs that are hostile and prejudicial to Nifong supporters. And that’s what I learned at Duke University School of Law yesterday.

27 comments:

Michael said...

So, you were there to see Justice Bryer, or were you there to show off your T-Shirt?

Anonymous said...

unbekannte is no more

MessedWithWrongFamilies said...

Nifong supporter,
I have seen similar reactions in the comments at the duke Chronicle. It appears the majority of the Dukies could care less about the case but for some, Nifong and company are the ultimate evil. It is certainly not popular to be compared with the dreaded group of 88 so they have to blame somebody else for the money Duke has paid out to those party happy boys on the Lacrosse team.

So you get an occasional conspiracy nut on the duke campus that believes they are fighting with the devil hisself when it comes to anybody that would support Mr. Nifong. Nifong bashing has been all the rage since that hero of all "INNOCENT" hooligans everywhere, Roy Cooper, began the campaign of dragging Mr. Nifong's good name through the mud.

It appears you ran accross one of those LAX nuts that were on the Duke campus trying in vain to pinpoint the location of the consortium of conspirators.

CampbellUniversitySchoolofLawProfessorAnthonyV.Bakerismyhero said...

Laxnuts. Good for keeping you, you know...."regular". Your lucky you weren't driving, Sid -- I bet they would've loved to add a DWB charge as well.

Anonymous said...

1. Hire a lawyer.
2. Threaten Duke with a lawsuit.
3. Charge racism (more successful than anti-Nifong).
4. Settle quickly (at least $250,000 plus legal fees and expenses).
5. Bail out Crystal.

You can (1) punish Duke, (2) win Crystal's freedom, and (3) end the criticism about you ignoring Crystal.

You know that Duke caves quickly when threatened with lawsuits.

guiowen said...

Sidney,
By all means, sue the s.o.b.'s! That character Dickie Brodhead will fold as soon as you accuse him of racism.

guiowen said...

To anonymous 3:21,
What happened to unbekannte? Did Sidney decide he doesn't like German names?

Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Sysdney? said...

Sydney - In reflecting back on the day’s adventure, I tried to figure out when I had come close to the brink of arrest.

If indeed you came 'close to the brink of arrest', it's probably because you mouthed off with your admittedly not wisely-chosen words.

Did you toss in a 'yo mama' for good effect, Syd?

BTW, are you sure those 'uniformed security guards' weren't DUPD officers? DUPD is a state-authorized police department just like DPD. 'Security guards' can't arrest anyone.

I'm gonna call BS on your story. Try a little noose-hamging like Madonna Constantine next time.

Sidismyhero said...

Campbell University School of Law Professor Anthony V. Baker has stated that your complains have no legal weight.

Seriously, Sid -- when are you going to provide a reference for the Anthony Baker quotes?

unbeckancallme said...

I see CGM's bond has been reduced again to 100,000. Still seems a bit high for an unauthorized science experiment in the bathtub. Perhaps a case of Yoo-Hoo would be more appropriate.

Nifong Supporter said...

To Michael:

Michael said...
"So, you were there to see Justice Bryer, or were you there to show off your T-Shirt?"


A poster about Justice Stephen Breyer's visit on April 14th stated that the event was open to the public on a first come first served basis. So I traveled from Raleigh to the Duke University campus, which required two transfers riding three buses. After the event I intended to take the bus trip back home when I was confronted by the officer.

The concise answer to your question is that I was there to see Justice Breyer.

Nifong Supporter said...

To MessedWithWrongFamilies:

Thank you for your comments. Your assessments are right on target. It is unfortunate that the media has so biasedly defined Mike Nifong in such a negative extent that many do are driven to emotional extremes of hate. It is also unfortunate that the so-called Group of 88 have been vilified. Their statement and intent was taken out of context in order to make the Duke lacrosse defendants appear to be victimized...

Please continue to contribute comments to this blog.

Nifong Supporter said...

To CampbellUniversity:

Laxnuts. Good for keeping you, you know...."regular". Your lucky you weren't driving, Sid -- I bet they would've loved to add a DWB charge as well.

I feel that had I been arrested for trespassing, I would have automatically received, in addition, a resisting arrest charge. If I would have been driving, I might, as suggested, also been charged with Driving While Black.

Although such charges seem ridiculous, all one needs to do is just look at the charges heaped on Crystal Mangum... all part of the vendetta justice system that totally disregards justice in favor of vindictiveness.

Nifong Supporter said...

To unbeckancallme:

unbeckancallme said...
"I see CGM's bond has been reduced again to 100,000. Still seems a bit high for an unauthorized science experiment in the bathtub. Perhaps a case of Yoo-Hoo would be more appropriate."


Thanks for your comment. If you have no objection, I think I will place your quote in the next letter I write to Crystal's prosecutor, Angela Garcia-Lamarca.

Nifong Supporter said...

To Anonymous:

Anonymous said...
"1. Hire a lawyer.
2. Threaten Duke with a lawsuit.
3. Charge racism (more successful than anti-Nifong).
4. Settle quickly (at least $250,000 plus legal fees and expenses).
5. Bail out Crystal.

You can (1) punish Duke, (2) win Crystal's freedom, and (3) end the criticism about you ignoring Crystal.

You know that Duke caves quickly when threatened with lawsuits."


Your plan of attack is very creative, thoughtful, and hilarious. You might just qualify as a ghost writer for one of my "MisAdventures of Super-Duper Cooper" comic strip episodes. (Currently am working on Episode V, which will be more than four times bigger than previous episodes... Am about a third of the way through the inking process, then afterwards will have only computer coloring to do. It will be the funniest episode of all, and will include a lot of North Carolinians in cameo roles.)

guiowen said...

I'm just sorry I'm not a North Carolinian as I would have enjoyed seeing myself in a cameo role

Walt said...

Syd, you were grossly mistreated by Duke University. Unfortunately that's par for the course over there. Sue the bastards. They deserve it.

I would point out one thing though, the First Amendment does not apply to Duke. The First Amendment applies to governments. (Specifically it is limited to Congress, but the Supreme Court has extended its reach to all branches and levels of government.)

Walt-in-Durham

Nifong Supporter said...

To Walt:

Walt said...
"Syd, you were grossly mistreated by Duke University. Unfortunately that's par for the course over there. Sue the bastards. They deserve it."


Thank you for your sympathetic words. Had I been jailed, then I believe that I would be inclined to bring suit. Fortunately for me, as I was being escorted from the building by the guard, Professor James Coleman was walking by and I brought the situation to his attention. He interceded on my behalf, and that is a major reason that I believe that I was not arrested.

Even though James and I disagree totally when it comes to Duke Lacrosse case and Mike Nifong, we have become friends, and I used to drop by his office to say hi whenever I was on campus. Now that I've been banished, I will miss my interaction with him the most.

As with James, Walt, I consider you a friend of sorts, and am not surprised that you would stand up on my behalf even though we do not see eye to eye on the Duke Lacrosse case and Mike Nifong. Thanks.

Nifong Supporter said...

To guiowen:

guiowen said...
I'm just sorry I'm not a North Carolinian as I would have enjoyed seeing myself in a cameo role


You don't have to be a North Carolinian to be in "The MisAdventures of Super-Duper Cooper" comic strip. Just e-mail me a photo at "justice4nifong@gmail.com" and you will be represented in Episode V. Because I have not completed inking the strip, I can draw your face as an extra... I'll give you a choice...Would you like to be a paramedic, a camera man for a news station, or would you prefer for me to surprise you? Let me know.

guiowen said...

Sidney,
I just emailed you a photo of myself, with the blackboard behind me. (I am indeed a college professor, though not at such an august institution as Duke.) Hope to see it in your comic strip.

Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Sidney? said...

Sidney -Even though James and I disagree totally when it comes to Duke Lacrosse case and Mike Nifong,...

Not surprisingly, since Prof Coleman is an intelligent, honest man.


Now that I've been banished, I will miss my interaction with him the most.

You should buddy up more with the G88 fools, Sidney. And write a letter to the editor of the Chronicle. That should bring you some well-deserved exposure.

Nifong Supporter said...

Hey, guiowen.

I haven't checked my e-mail yet but I will shortly. Thanks for the photo. I am thinking of putting you in the role of a physician. Which will be in the latter part of the strip. But I'm not sure yet, as I need to go over the strips and see where your photo would best fit. Anyway, if you want, send me the name of the school where you teach and I will try to put it's logo in the strip too.

Nifong Supporter said...

addendum to guiowen:

When I say photo, what I mean is the image I draw using your photo as a reference.

Walt said...

Syd,

I agree that Jim Coleman probably saved both you and the University a lot of unnecessary difficulty. Never the less, what Duke did was grossly wrong and no one deserves the treatment you received from them. Unfortunately, that's the way the University is.

Also, you are right, we do disagree about Nifong and the lacrosse hoax. However, I deeply appreciate your commitment to freedom of expression. You certainly are within your rights to cut me off. You have not. While we disagree, you are an honorable opponent.

Walt

Nifong Supporter said...

To Walt:

Thanks for your statement. Maybe we can meet sometime, as long as it's not on the Duke campus.

Anonymous said...

Maybe we can meet sometime, as long as it's not on the Duke campus.

Good idea. How about the bathroom at 610 N. Buchanan? Walt can bring two friends, and you can see how crowded it is for four people.

Nifong Supporter said...

To Anonymous:

Anonymous said...
"Maybe we can meet sometime, as long as it's not on the Duke campus."

"Good idea. How about the bathroom at 610 N. Buchanan? Walt can bring two friends, and you can see how crowded it is for four people."


Anonymous, you're not invited.