Two students at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania were suspended from the swim team after a racial slur was reported to have been scratched onto a student’s body using a plastic or ceramic tool. The incident sparked an investigation by the college’s administration, who described the report as deeply concerning. Details were scarce due to the ongoing investigation and privacy laws, but the family of the alleged victim claimed that their son was the target of a hate crime. The family reported that the student, who was the only person of color at the gathering where the incident occurred, had the N-word etched onto his chest by a fellow student-athlete whom he considered a friend. The victim was subsequently interviewed by coaching staff and dismissed from the swim team.
The incident, which is believed to have taken place at an informal gathering on campus, was first reported by upper-class students from the swim team. Gettysburg College President Robert Iuliano expressed profound distress over the incident, emphasizing the campus’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all individuals. He condemned any actions or words that demean, degrade, or marginalize individuals based on their identity and history. The victim chose to handle the matter internally through the college’s process, despite being encouraged by college officials to involve law enforcement. The school declined to release further details on the incident, citing privacy laws and the ongoing investigation.
The family of the victim claimed that the perpetrator used a box cutter to commit the hate crime, which resulted in the N-word being scratched onto the victim’s chest. The victim was among the students barred from participating in swim team activities as the college investigated the incident. While the specific details of how the slur was scratched onto the student’s body were not elaborated upon by the school administrators or the family, the severity of the incident prompted swift action by the college. President Iuliano stressed the importance of not speculating based on potentially inaccurate information and reaffirmed the campus’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment for all members of the community, regardless of their background or identity.
The city’s police chief, Robert Glenny Jr., revealed that he had contacted the college after hearing news reports about the incident. Despite college officials encouraging the victim to involve law enforcement, the victim opted to handle the matter internally through the college’s process. The decision to handle the incident internally rather than pursue a criminal investigation highlights the complexities and challenges involved in addressing hate crimes on college campuses. The implications of the incident are far-reaching, affecting not only the individuals directly involved but also the broader campus community, prompting deep reflection and ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. As the investigation continues, the college remains committed to addressing the incident with transparency and accountability.
