This example, and one in San Diego, "illustrate that partnership between communities and police charged with protecting and serving the members of those communities can achieve the dual goal of preserving and maintaining respect for communities of color and providing protection and policing," the statement reads.

"We should not be forced to make a choice between public safety and personal security," the professors said. "We are entitled to both and insist on both."

In the weeks following the Diallo verdict, University students held a rally in the Yard, a vigil at Memorial Church, dressed in black clothing for solidarity and held numerous discussion sessions.

The Undergraduate Council passed a bill condemning police brutality in the wake of the verdict.

"Our students are very concerned about the Diallo case, and it is important that we let them know that we share their concerns," said co-signer Henry Louis Gates Jr, who is DuBois Professor of the Humanities.

Other signatories include Fletcher University professor Cornel R. West '74, Plummer Professor of Christian Morals Peter J. Gomes and Professor of Law Lani Guinier '71.

The statement was issued on Mar. 24 and was signed by faculty members from seven different Harvard institutions.

President of the Harvard Black Men's Forum (BMF) Shearwood "Woody" McClelland '00 expressed approval of the professors' public announcement, even if it did not directly criticize the verdict. BMF has sponsored a number of the student protests against the verdict.