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Noose Found on Professor’s Door Prompts Protest

More than 100 students rallied last week to show their outrage after a noose was found on an African American professor’s office door at Columbia University’s Teachers College. The target of the racist act was Madonna Constantine, a psychology and education professor who specializes in race and multiculturalism.

The Hate Crimes Task Force of the NYPD is working in conjunction with the FBI and Department of Justice to find the perpetrator(s). They are currently testing the rope for DNA evidence and reviewing security camera footage.

Constantine, who has been widely published and recognized for her work by psychological and research societies, co-wrote the book Addressing Racism: Facilitating Cultural Competence in Mental Health and Educational Settings (Wiley, John & Sons, 2006). When asked if the incident was tied to her academic specialty, Constantine told the New York Times, “I haven’t ruled out that it’s connected’ There are things that I say that have pushed people’s buttons, because it challenges the status quo.”

Sources:

The New York Times 10/11/07, 10/12/07; CNN.com 10/10/07, 10/12/07; Columbia Teachers College press release 10/11/07

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