Statement by DSU President Tony Allen in Response to the Liberty Co. Sheriff’s Comments on Lacrosse Bus Search

In response to comments made by Liberty Co. (Ga.) Sheriff William Bowman concerning the April 20 search by his deputies of a bus transporting the Delaware State University Women’s Lacrosse Team on a Georgia highway, University President Tony Allen has released the following statement: 

“I spoke with Sheriff William Bowman of Liberty County on Tuesday and note his acknowledgment to me and at his press event of the historic concerns of African Americans in traffic stops with law enforcement. He even indicated an interest in reaching out to our lacrosse team for feedback to assist his department in improving its approach to people of color. I look forward to hearing from him exactly how he would like to proceed in that regard.” 

“However, his public statement and the released body camera footage raise more questions than answers.” 

“Sheriff Bowman insists that personal items were not searched; the video clearly shows officers searching toiletries and clothes, and even cutting open a family graduation gift. Sheriff Bowman said the officers were unaware of the nature of the passengers on the bus; the audio clearly demonstrates that the officers were aware both that this was a busload of ‘schoolgirls,’ and that they did not expect to find anything other than marijuana, which the officer who entered the bus said they were not looking for.” 

“It has become abundantly more clear that this incident must be investigated by objective, external authorities.  We continue to push forward toward that objective.”