Key Takeaways:
– Two members of the Gettysburg College swim team were suspended after a racial slur was reportedly scratched onto another student’s body.
– This incident, described as a hate crime by the victim’s family, is actively being assessed through the student conduct process.
– The victim and the alleged perpetrator are both currently barred from participating in swim team activities during the investigation.
Racial Slur Incident Triggers College Investigation
Two students at Gettysburg College, Pennsylvania are facing suspension from the swim team following a deeply concerning report of a racially motivated incident. According to college officials, a racial slur was apparently scratched onto a student’s body using a plastic or ceramic tool, prompting school administrators to launch an internal investigation into the matter. This is indicative of a serious violation of college rules, warranting an active investigation through the student conduct process.
Details around the Incident
Further details concerning the incident have not been released by the school. They are adhering to the ongoing process of the investigation while complying with privacy laws. However, the family of the student who was targeted has stated to The Gettysburgian, Gettysburg College’s student newspaper, that their son was the victim of a hate crime. They allege that the offending party, who their son trusted, used a box cutter to carve the N-word onto their son’s chest.
The family also stated that their son was one of the students currently barred from participating in swim team activities as the college continues its probe into the incident. This was allegedly a result of an interview conducted by the swim team coaching staff, leading to the student’s dismissal from the team.
The incident reportedly transpired during an “informal social gathering at an on-campus residence”. This revelation came from Gettysburg College President Robert Iuliano, who was first informed of the incident by some upper-class students from the swim team. The incident took place on September 6, according to the victim’s family.
Reaction and Response
President Iuliano openly expressed his “profound distress” about the incident and its impact on the community. This is especially significant to groups which have long been underrepresented on campus. He cautioned against speculation “based on fragments of information that may or may not be accurate”, while emphasizing the dire need for an inclusive environment on campus.
Law Enforcement Involvement
Robert Glenny Jr., the city’s police chief, made contact with the college after hearing news reports about the incident. He was told that the victim had chosen to handle the matter through the college’s internal process. However, college officials had recommended the option of escalating the matter to the police, as reported by WGAL-TV.
Conclusion
This incident has brought into focus the racial sensitivities that exist on campuses and the role that institutions, such as Gettysburg College, have to play in dealing with such incidences. While the investigation continues, this event is a stark reminder of the racial challenges that persist in society today, including in seemingly safe spaces like educational settings.