DURHAM, N.C.—Following a three-week trial surrounding the claim that he is racist, Chad Gates (T ‘27) was released last Monday after a shocking “not guilty” verdict.
The trial started after Gates reportedly accused a student of stealing his pen in class. The unnamed student, who is Black and also not in the same class, filed charges. Gates was arrested later that day, but not before the anonymous student was arrested first, by police who mistook him for Gates.
The current Duke sophomore was acquitted after his legal team put forth evidence that Gates had been a neighbor of Earl and Joyce Washington—both African-American—for the last 12 years.
“We’ve actually never met or interacted with Chad,” testified Earl Washington. “But yes, technically, he has lived next to us for the past few years.” Gates’ attorney ended the cross-examination by having Mr. and Mrs. Washington confirm to the court that they were actually Black, testing their knowledge on 2000s NBA players and Jordan Peele films.
Following this testimony, the jury reconvened and declared Gates’ innocence. His acquittal means he will not have to complete his punishment: 5 years of community service in a low-income neighborhood. Gates was seen openly crying tears of joy after this ruling.
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