Viral video over white man's dreadlocks prompts investigation at San Francisco State University

SAN FRANCISCO - A white San Francisco State University student who was confronted by an African American woman about his dreadlocks said Wednesday he doesn't want her arrested.

Cory Goldstein said he filed a police report after Monday's heated confrontation, which was caught on video, but he's not looking to press charges and said he would like to have a "respectful discussion" with anyone about his hair.

"It's something I've had since I was 17 years old and something that's part of who I am. I believe they are powerful and helped amplify myself and helped me connect to this world," Goldstein told San Francisco television station KGO (http://bit.ly/25xwELh).

The confrontation Monday at San Francisco State comes as race and sensitivity on campus are debated in universities across the country.

In the video posted on YouTube Monday, Goldstein and the unidentified woman are seen engaged in a heated argument over his dreadlocks.

"You're saying that I can't have a hair style because of your culture? Why?" Goldstein said.

"Because it's my culture. Do you know what locks mean?" the woman responded.

He then tells her dreadlocks were part of Egyptian culture and tries to walk away but the woman blocks him and is seen grabbing Goldstein's arm. She then turns to the person filming to block the camera with her hand.

The university said it's investigating the video and that the student who filmed it has requested charges be filed against the woman.

"University police responded to the incident when it occurred and took a report at the scene," the university said in a statement Wednesday.

It said once campus police complete their investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Sand Francisco District Attorney's office, who will decide whether to file charges.