SFSU Professor Faces Two Felony Charges

  By Pamela Tom

Oct. 30 (KGO) -- Faculty and students at San Francisco State University are questioning the arrest of an African-American professor there earlier this week. He was on campus late Tuesday night to retrieve some materials from his office when he was questioned by security. That apparently led to a scuffle and an arrest.

Just after 11:00 p.m. Tuesday night, San Francisco State University police arrested Professor Antwi Akom in the hallway of the Ethnic Studies Building for assaulting an officer and resisting arrest.

Ellen Griffin, SFSU spokesperson: "Obviously, at 11:00 p.m. in the evening, they would need to ensure that people who are in a building belong there."

Akom belonged there. He reportedly told police he is a professor and was retrieving some books from his office. According to the police report, Akom pushed his way past an officer after being asked to show identification. Police say Akom began swearing and punched the officer.

The report includes statements by several witnesses, five of them corroborate the officers' account, but one witness says Akom fought back only after the officer tried to "stop him from behind."

Professor Akom was not available for an on-camera interview, but maintains this is a case of racial profiling.

Linda Okwu, SFSU nursing student: "If it was a white professor, No, I don't think it would've happened to him."

Linda Okwu takes Professor Akom's Black Culture and Personalities class.

Linda Okwu, SFSU nursing student: "SF State is supposed to be one of the diverse colleges we have, and to hear something like this is happening now."

Carlee Brown, SFSU nursing student: "I've never been stopped before, and maybe that's because I'm a white female."

Adafo Autin, SFSU political science student: "If you identify yourself - especially if you're going into your office with the nameplate - that should be enough to stop any question."

Many questions remain unanswered in this case. The university has hired former city attorney Louise Renne and former Mayor Willie Brown to conduct an independent review.

Louise Renne, former San Francisco city attorney: "Maybe there won't be answers to every question, but then the university will have to decide what action they're going to take - not only in this incident, but in the future."

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