CHICAGO — A new statewide analysis has uncovered troubling racial disparities in traffic enforcement by campus police departments across Illinois, raising serious concerns about equity and accountability in university policing.
Black Drivers Face Disproportionate Stops on Campuses
A collaborative investigation by the Investigative Project on Race and Equity, WBEZ Chicago, and the Chicago Sun-Times examined over 33,000 traffic stops conducted between 2019 and 2023 by campus police at 11 public universities in Illinois. The findings show that Black drivers were pulled over and ticketed at rates significantly higher than both their representation on campus and in nearby communities.
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In 2023, 34% of campus traffic stops involved Black drivers, a notable rise from 29% in 2019.
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During the same period, stops involving white drivers fell from 54% to 45%.
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Nearly 1 in 3 Black drivers received a ticket, compared to just 1 in 5 white drivers, according to the analysis.
Police Leaders Deny Bias, But Data Raises Red Flags
While university police chiefs across the state maintain that their officers do not intentionally target Black motorists, the data tells a different story. Critics argue that the disparity in ticketing patterns reflects systemic issues that must be addressed through oversight and reform.
“This is unfortunately not surprising,” said one equity analyst involved in the review. “We’ve long known that policing outcomes can reflect deeper societal patterns—even in places meant to be safe havens like college campuses.”
Statewide Impact: Beyond the Campus Walls
The implications of these findings stretch far beyond university boundaries. Students, staff, and local residents frequently share these campus roadways, making campus policing a broader community issue.
Advocates are now urging lawmakers and university boards to:
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Increase transparency in campus policing practices
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Review the scope of authority for campus departments
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Engage community voices, especially students of color, in accountability efforts
A Call for Public Engagement and Reform
As Illinois campuses prepare for the fall semester, the report reignites conversations about racial equity, student rights, and law enforcement accountability. Parents, students, and local residents are being encouraged to engage with university leadership and demand a fairer, more transparent traffic enforcement system.
Read More: Emergency Drill Held at Central Illinois Regional Airport to Test Disaster Response
Have You Faced a Similar Experience on an Illinois Campus?
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