Tuskegee University has placed its police chief on administrative leave following a New Year’s Day DUI arrest in Georgia, a move that has drawn regional and national attention and raised broader questions about leadership accountability and campus safety at one of the nation’s most historic HBCUs. The arrest occurred just months after the chief was hired, forcing the university to address a high-profile personnel matter at the start of 2026.
According to reporting by HBCU Gameday, Tuskegee University Police Chief Kareem Easley was arrested in the early morning hours of January 1 by the Sandy Springs Police Department on a charge of driving under the influence. Law enforcement officials said the stop took place shortly after midnight, a time when police agencies typically increase patrols due to New Year’s celebrations.
Details Surrounding the New Year’s Day Arrest
Authorities reportedly stopped Easley after observing him driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Following the traffic stop, officers determined there was probable cause for a DUI arrest and transported him to jail. Additional details were confirmed by CBS News Atlanta, which reported that the arrest occurred just outside the Atlanta metropolitan area and involved local police rather than campus law enforcement.
Further reporting from FOX 5 Atlanta confirmed that Easley was taken into custody without incident and later released as the legal process moved forward. The report also noted that Easley had only recently assumed his role at Tuskegee University, having been hired in October 2025 as part of an effort to strengthen the institution’s campus police operations.
Easley brought more than 20 years of law enforcement experience to the position and was tasked with overseeing safety and security at a university that has long emphasized the well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. His arrest, however, has complicated that mission and placed increased scrutiny on leadership within the department.
Tuskegee University Places Police Chief on Administrative Leave
In response to the arrest, Tuskegee University placed Easley on administrative leave while an internal investigation is conducted alongside the ongoing legal proceedings. University officials stressed that the decision does not represent a presumption of guilt but is a standard step taken to preserve the integrity of the institution and allow the matter to be reviewed fairly.
Coverage from WSB-TV confirmed that Assistant Chief Darrius Jones has been appointed as acting police chief during the investigation to ensure continuity of campus safety operations. University representatives emphasized that campus police services remain fully operational and that student safety has not been compromised.
In statements shared with media outlets, administrators reiterated their commitment to due process and accountability, noting that the university will not rush to judgment as facts are gathered and reviewed.
Broader Accountability and Campus Safety at HBCUs
The incident has sparked broader discussion about leadership accountability within campus police departments, particularly at HBCUs where trust, transparency, and community relationships play a central role in institutional culture. While incidents involving senior law enforcement officials are not unique to HBCUs, they often receive heightened scrutiny due to the historic role these institutions play in their communities.
Tuskegee University, founded in 1881, has long been recognized for its contributions to Black excellence, leadership development, and social progress. As this situation continues to unfold, it adds to ongoing conversations across higher education about governance, oversight, and ethical leadership.
What Comes Next for Tuskegee University
As the legal process moves forward, Tuskegee University’s internal investigation is expected to continue independently. No timeline has been announced for the conclusion of either process, and university officials have said updates will be provided as appropriate.
In the meantime, the university has emphasized that its commitment to safety, accountability, and ethical leadership remains unchanged. For Tuskegee University, the weeks ahead will be critical as it works to navigate the situation transparently while preserving trust within its campus community and beyond.
