Gettysburg College Swim Team Suspends Students After Racial Slur Incident on Campus

In a distressing incident that has shaken the Gettysburg College community in Pennsylvania, at least two students from the college's swim team have been suspended following a report that a racial slur was etched onto a student's body. The incident was described as an act of hate, and it has prompted an active investigation by the college's administrators.

Details of the Incident

According to a statement from the college, school administrators received a "deeply concerning report of a racial slur being scratched onto a student using a plastic or ceramic tool." The affected student was reportedly targeted during an informal social gathering at an on-campus residence on September 6. The perpetrator, described as someone the victim "trusted," allegedly used a box cutter to carve the N-word onto the student's chest.

The college has confirmed that the students involved in the incident are currently barred from participating in swim team activities. However, further details regarding the identities of those involved have not been disclosed due to privacy laws and ongoing investigations.

Response from the College

Gettysburg College President Robert Iuliano expressed profound distress regarding the incident and its potential impact on marginalized individuals within the campus community. He emphasized the importance of fostering a truly inclusive environment and condemned actions that demean or degrade individuals based on their identity and history.

Family's Perspective

The family of the targeted student expressed their concerns through the college's student newspaper, The Gettysburgian. They described their son as a victim of a hate crime and revealed details about the traumatic incident that he endured. According to their account, within two days of the incident, their son was interviewed by the coaching staff and subsequently dismissed from the swim team.

Impact on Campus Community

This alarming incident has sent shockwaves through the Gettysburg College community, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. The college's administration is committed to addressing the issue and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Call for Action

The college has urged the community to refrain from speculation regarding the incident, urging individuals to await the outcomes of the pending investigations. The call for unity and support for the affected individuals serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to foster an inclusive and respectful environment within educational institutions.