USC students protest after LAPD arrests at off-campus party

Dozens of USC students gathered on the steps of the Tommy Trojan statue in protest of what they said was racial profiling by police.

The students staged the sit-in after a clash early Saturday morning with Los Angeles Police Department officers at an off-campus party.

Dozens of LAPD officers wearing protective gear broke up the party, composed of a majority black crowd. Six people were arrested.

Partygoers said police shouted expletives, wielded their batons and displayed Tasers. The students said the incident highlighted the growing tension between police officers, campus security and students.

“They definitely harassed the wrong students,” said Teremy Jackson, 19, a sophomore neuroscience major. “We are scholars and high-achieving students.... We didn’t do anything wrong.”

Los Angeles police said they have opened an internal investigation into the police response after several people made formal complaints alleging racial bias and use of heavy-handed tactics.

Department officials told The Times that as a result of the complaints they would fully examine the LAPD response, including interviewing partygoers, officers and other witnesses, as well as reviewing video of the incident.

One police officer was injured in the early Saturday incident, said LAPD Lt. Andy Neiman.

At the protest, students said the increased security measures around campus have created a hostile environment. More than 100 students and media attended the event.

Some held signs that read “Stop Criminalizing Us,” while others chanted “Create your own world.”

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andrew.blankstein@latimes.com

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