San Francisco State University said Wednesday it is investigating an incident involving a white male student who was confronted by an African-American woman about his dreadlocks.
Cory Goldstein said he filed a police report after Monday’s heated argument, which was recorded on video, but he’s not looking to press charges and said he would like to have a “respectful discussion” with anyone about his hair.
“It's something I've had since I was 17 years old and something that's part of who I am. I believe they are powerful and helped amplify myself and helped me coect to this world," Goldstein told KGO-TV.
The confrontation comes as race and sensitivity on campus are debated in universities across the nation. In the video posted to YouTube, Goldstein and the unidentified woman engaged in a heated argument over his coiffure.
"You're saying that I can't have a hair style because of your culture? Why?" Goldstein said.
"Because it's my culture. Do you know what locks mean?" the woman responded.
He then tells her dreadlocks were part of Egyptian culture and tries to walk away but the woman blocks him and is seen grabbing Goldstein's arm.She then tus to the person filming to block the camera with her hand.
The university said it has started a probe in the incident and that the student who filmed it requested charges be filed against the woman.
"University police responded to the incident when it occurred and took a report at the scene," the university said in a statement.
Campus police said once the investigation is over, the case will be forwarded to the San Francisco District Attoey’s, who will decide whether charges will be filed.
As of early Thursday moing, the video had more than 2 million views on YouTube. And even though the video's description says the unidentified woman was a campus employee, university officials said that none of the people in the video are employed by San Francisco State, according to the Los Angeles Times.
"San Francisco State University promotes the rights of the campus community to engage in free speech, but does not condone behavior that impedes the safety or well-being of others," the university said. "We are taking the matter seriously and will promptly and thoroughly investigate this incident through applicable University chaels, including our campus student conduct procedures."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.