*Administration of Barack H. Obama, 2009 *

**Statement on a Discussion With Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Sergeant James Crowley **

*July 30, 2009 *

I am thankful to Professor Gates and Sergeant Crowley for joining me at the White House this evening for a friendly, thoughtful conversation. Even before we sat down for the beer, I learned that the two gentlemen spent some time together listening to one another, which is a testament to them. I have always believed that what brings us together is stronger than what pulls us apart. I am confident that has happened here tonight, and I am hopeful that all of us are able to draw this positive lesson from this episode.

NOTE: The statement referred to Henry Louis Gates, Jr., director, W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research at Harvard University; and James Crowley, sergeant, City of Cambridge Police Department, MA.

*Categories:* Statements by the President : Massachusetts :: Discussion with Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and City of Cambridge Police Department Sgt. James Crowley.

*Names:* Crowley, James; Gates, Henry L., Jr.

*Subjects:* Massachusetts : Harvard University professor, arrest.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD200900610.