Video shows student with dreadlocks being confronted, accused of 'cultural appropriation'



SAN FRANCISCO -- Officials at San Francisco State University student are investigating a video that shows a student being confronted by a woman because he was wearing dreadlocks.

The video shows the woman approaching the man near a stairwell on campus on Monday. Here's a transcript of the video:

Man: “You’re saying I can’t have a hairstyle because of your culture? Why?”

Woman: “Because it’s my culture. Do you know what dreadlocks mean?"

Man: "Do you know... Egyptian culture? Are you Egyptian? Nah..."

Woman: "Are you Egyptian?"

Man: "No, but it doesn't matter."

Woman: "Wait. Where's Egypt?"

Man: "You know what, girl, you have no right to tell me what I can and cannot wear."


The confrontation escalates when the woman attempts to stop the man from walking away.

"Yo, girl, stop touching me now I don't need your disrespect," the man can be heard saying to the woman.

At the end of the video, the woman asks why someone is filming the altercation. The person answers, "For everyone's safety."

The title of the video suggests the woman shown in the video is a university employee, however San Francisco State University released a statement on Tuesday that says the two individuals are not employees at the school.

The school is still investigating the incident. Here's the full statement:

"We are aware of the video made of an incident which occurred on campus yesterday afternoon. University police were called to the scene of the incident when it occurred. The two individuals involved in the incident are not San Francisco State University employees. Further, no criminal charges have been pressed at this time to the University's knowledge.

"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. We are taking the matter seriously and will promptly and thoroughly investigate this incident through applicable University channels, including our campus student conduct procedures."