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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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31

Caller in Gates Arrest Didn't Mention Race

Tapes show I'm not a racist, says woman who alerted police

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(Newser) – The Massachusetts woman who called 911 on Henry Louis Gates and his chauffeur as they wrestled with the Harvard professor’s front door said today she never mentioned race to Sgt. James Crowley, the officer who arrested Gates. Lucia Whalen’s statement contradicts the police report filed by Crowley, which states that Whalen described “two black males with backpacks,” after he arrived in person, the New York Times reports.

Speaking in Cambridge, Whalen took issue with being portrayed as racist. Whalen said she was glad police released the recording of her 911 call, in which she repeatedly says that the two men may live at the house, and mentions race to the dispatcher only when prompted. Hopefully, Whalen said, the tapes show “that I tried to be careful.”

Lucia Whalen, the woman who placed the 911 call that led to the arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., speaks in Cambridge, Mass., today.
Lucia Whalen, the woman who placed the 911 call that led to the arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., speaks in Cambridge, Mass., today.   (AP Photo)
Lucia Whalen, the woman who placed the 911 call that led to the arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., speaks in Cambridge, Mass., today.
Lucia Whalen, the woman who placed the 911 call that led to the arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., speaks in Cambridge, Mass., today.   (AP Photo)
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When I was called a racist, I was the target of scorn and ridicule because of things I never said. The criticism hurt me as a person but also hurt the community of Cambridge.
- Lucia Whalen

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31 comments
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Reader60610265
Jul 29, 09 2:29 PM CDT
Tired of seeing this or stories like it. I hope everyone enjoys their beer. Reply
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+6
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AClotfelter
Jul 29, 09 3:02 PM CDT
Agreed
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+2
IN RESPONSE:
Fondue
Jul 29, 09 5:27 PM CDT
I don't agree. This is a very important part of the whole thing. She is the one the police used to fabricate information given out.
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+6
Jayster999
Jul 29, 09 2:41 PM CDT
This comment has been removed by Newser’s community. You must be logged in to view this comment. Reply
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freethemall
Jul 29, 09 5:31 PM CDT
What a nice thing to say, Jayster! So long as you view only those opinions that conform to your preconceived notion as worthy of consideration, you will remain as open minded and well informed as you are.
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+2

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