Newton, MA--A panel discussion, "Was Trayvon Martin Inherently Suspicious? Racial Profiling: Exploring Subconscious Prejudice" will take place on Wednesday April 18 from 12-1 pm in BC Law's East Wing room 200. The panel, featuring several BC Law professors, was inspired by the Trayvon Martin shooting and the deeper and more complex issues the tragedy unearthed.

On February 26, 2012, 17 year old Trayvon Martin was shot to death by a neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman while he was walking home from a convenience store. Zimmerman claimed that Trayvon seemed suspicious during his call to 911. Although instructed to stop following Trayvon, Zimmerman continued his pursuit. He claims that while he was returning his car, Martin attacked him, causing Zimmerman to shoot in self-defense, ultimately killing Martin. Zimmerman was recently charged with 2nd degree murder.

The panelists for the event are BC Law Dean Vincent Rougeau, Professor Mark Brodin, Assistant Dean for Students, Academic Advising and Diversity Initiatives Tracey West, Professor Frank Herrmann, SJ, and Professor Robert Bloom. The panelists will share personal stories of seeing, being subject to, and confronting prejudices and give their perspectives on how the law can play a role in ending them.

Lunch will be provided at the discussion. For further information, please contact Harold Hinds at hindsh@bc.edu.