Gettysburg College Suspends Swimmers Amid Racial Slur Incident
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – At least two students from the swim team at Gettysburg College have been suspended following a shocking incident that involved a racial slur being scratched onto a fellow student’s body. School officials reported that they received a “deeply concerning report” about the event, which took place at an on-campus social gathering.
Incident Details
The incident was said to have occurred on the evening of September 6, during a gathering of swim team members. It was reported that one student was targeted in an act described by his family as a hate crime. The alleged victim was the only person of color at the gathering, and according to his family, he was attacked by someone he considered a friend.
In a statement provided to the student newspaper, the family revealed that the attacker used a box cutter to etch the N-word onto their son’s chest. “It is important to note that he was the only person of color at this gathering,” they said. The college has stated that the students involved in the incident are no longer participating in swim team activities while the matter is under investigation.
Response from College Administration
Gettysburg College’s President, Robert Iuliano, expressed profound distress over the situation. He emphasized that there is no place for actions that demean or marginalize individuals based on their identity. Iuliano encouraged the campus community to avoid speculation, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and its impact on underrepresented groups.
“No matter the relationship, and no matter the motivation, there is no place on this campus for words or actions that demean, degrade, or marginalize based on one’s identity and history,” he stated.
The college declined to disclose further details regarding the students involved in the incident, citing privacy laws and the ongoing conduct process.
Police Involvement
In the aftermath of the incident, Gettysburg’s police chief, Robert Glenny Jr., reached out to the college after seeing reports of the situation. He indicated that the victim decided to handle the matter internally with the college, even after being encouraged to report the incident to law enforcement. This decision was apparently made despite the gravity of the circumstances.
Family’s Statement
The family of the victim voiced their concerns and feelings about the incident and its implications. They clarified that their son was interviewed by the coaching staff two days after the event but was dismissed from the swim team without undergoing a suspension. The family expressed their disappointment and called for proper action against the perpetrator.
They stated, “Two weeks ago on the evening of Friday, Sept. 6, our son became the victim of a hate crime.” The family’s account highlights the emotional and physical impact such actions can have on a student.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is active, and college officials have made it clear that they take such allegations seriously. President Iuliano remarked on the importance of creating a truly inclusive environment, which has been a continual effort within the college community.
The college community is now grappling with this alarming event, which has brought issues of race and inclusion to the forefront. As the investigation continues, many are left hoping for justice and stronger measures to prevent such acts from occurring in the future.
