Racism coalition wants Providence College security head gone

By Dana Griffin

dgriffin@abc6.com

@DanaGriffinABC6

PROVIDENCE, RI- One early September morning, while it was drizzling and with her hands full, associate professor, Julia Jordan–Zachery says a campus officer pulled up in his car. She says she thought he was going to help her with her things.

Jordan-Zachery said, “When he stopped there was no, hi how are you- can I help you. It was barrage of one question after another…I was about to walk away; he leans out the car and says so where are you going. Why would he need to know where am I going?”

At an anti–racism rally in front of the school, she and dozens of supporters demanded the director of safety and security, Major John Leyden, be fired.

“At some point somebody’s got to take responsibility for what’s happening in here and since he’s the head, he needs to go,” said associate professor, Cedric DeLeon.

DeLeon says he’s also experienced racial profiling while on campus.

“The security guard got out of the guard house, looked very closely at the faculty sticker and said, ok I just wanted to make sure that you’re not a terrorist” said DeLeon.

Jordan–Zachery calls it unconscious bias. She said, “So for example, students get stopped and they’re told, well you don’t look like a Providence College student; so what does a Providence College student look like?”

Jordan–Zachery’s complaint was filed with the school last fall and until today, administrators haven’t heard any other complaints. They say you must file a report in order for them to investigate.

Providence College spokesperson, Steven Maurano said, “If someone wants to come forward with a complaint, we absolutely will investigate it.”

The school says firing Major Leyden, who has been on the job for about 12 years, is not on the table.

The officer in question did have a disciplinary hearing but the school does not publicize the results.

The school did however conduct a department–wide workshop on campus diversity issues. It was held in January and further training is scheduled.

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