Professor faces police probe after controversial remarks on race

Professor Kehinde Andrews, the UK's first professor of Black studies, is under investigation by West Midlands Police following a video in which he referred to commentator Calvin Robinson as a 'house n*gro.' In the video, Andrews defended the use of terms like 'house n*gro' and 'coconut,' arguing they are important expressions of Black political thought. He explained that Malcolm X popularized the term to critique those who, due to their privilege, fail to recognize their oppression. The police inquiry was initiated after Robinson filed a complaint, claiming Andrews' comments were racist. Andrews, however, contends that his remarks are a political critique rather than a racial slur, emphasizing that they serve to highlight the shared struggles of Black individuals against systemic racism. He expressed concern over the police's involvement, suggesting that such scrutiny would not occur if he were white. Andrews has described the investigation as 'utterly ludicrous,' asserting that it reflects a broader trend of criminalizing Black discourse and knowledge. He pointed out that the police have historically targeted Black and brown individuals, and this case exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced by academics discussing race. The situation has sparked discussions about the implications of policing language within minority communities, as seen in previous cases where individuals faced prosecution for using specific terms. Andrews plans to attend a voluntary interview with the police later this month, furthering the dialogue on race and academic freedom.