Married couple James L. Williams, one of Michigan’s talented guitarists, and Jan Bidwell, a former LPD social worker, stand together in their East Lansing home, reflecting on a recent encounter with local police that left them questioning the role of racial bias in law enforcement.
EAST LANSING, MI — On Sunday morning, police officers appeared at the door of a residence in Glencairn, East Lansing, responding to a triggered alarm. Inside, the officers asked a Black man, James, to show his hands. His white wife, however, was not asked to do the same. The contrast in treatment was stark, raising questions about racial profiling within the East Lansing Police Department (ELPD).
The alarm had been accidentally set off by a guest leaving the home early in the morning. She promptly contacted the police, explaining the situation. Despite this, the officers approached the residence as if there were an immediate threat. James, startled by the loud noise, came downstairs in his pajamas to find officers at his door, demanding to see his hands. His wife, who followed shortly after, was never asked to show her hands. She was instead questioned in a manner she felt was accusatory, even though it was clear there was no emergency.
This incident occurred in an upscale neighborhood, raising concerns about the differential treatment that may be pervasive across East Lansing. The question remains: Why was James, a Black man, treated with such suspicion while his white wife was not? Furthermore, why was James not asked for identification while his wife was?
These actions have prompted the following questions to the East Lansing Police Department and the City of East Lansing:
– Why was there a need for James to show his hands?
– Why was there a discrepancy in how the couple was treated?
– Is this indicative of a broader issue within ELPD regarding the treatment of Black residents?
Statistics from a 2023 Lansing State Journal report revealed that over eight months, ELPD stopped Black drivers at a rate of 38% and used force against 93 Black people compared to 61 white people. Considering that Black people constitute only 7% of East Lansing’s population, these numbers suggest a troubling pattern of racial profiling.
James’s experience is a stark reminder that being Black in East Lansing—or anywhere—can come with an unjust burden of suspicion, even within one’s own home. The incident underscores a painful truth: safety is not guaranteed for Black people, regardless of the neighborhood they reside in.
As of August 25th, 2024, at 8:18 PM, we have contacted the East Lansing Police Department and are waiting for their response. This matter demands a thorough investigation and clear answers, not only for James and his family but for all residents of East Lansing.
Jan Bidwell, LMSW, reflects on the incident with a heavy heart. Her husband, a well-respected member of the Michigan State University community and a beloved musician, should not have had to endure such treatment. His calm response, despite the circumstances, speaks to his character and the resilience he has built over a lifetime of facing discrimination.
This incident is not just a personal affront but a call to action for everyone in East Lansing to demand fairness, transparency, and accountability from their law enforcement agencies.
