Gettysburg College Student Athlete Carves Racial Slur into Teammate
An investigation is currently underway at a Pennsylvania college after a student athlete infamously carved a racial epithet into the chest of a Black teammate using a box cutter.
This disturbing incident transpired on September 6 during a gathering of the Gettysburg College student team. The victim’s family has characterized the event as a “hate crime.”
In a statement published by the college’s newspaper, The Gettysburgian, the family revealed that their son was the sole person of color present at the gathering, noting that the “appalling act” was perpetrated by someone he had placed his trust in.
“This student utilized a box cutter to inscribe the N-word upon his chest,” the family disclosed.
They expressed their intention to speak out in order to “clarify” what they claimed was misinformation circulating in various media outlets.
“We have chosen to come forward with this statement, hoping it will bring clarity rather than incite controversy as we grapple with the nightmare that has befallen our son and our family,” they articulated.
“Our son did not choose to have a hateful racial slur branded onto his chest; instead, he has opted not to reciprocate that hate. He did not choose the hue of his skin, yet he embraces the strength and diversity it embodies.”
“Our son did not opt to be marginalized and ostracized by those who merely pay lip service to inclusion and diversity.”
In an email addressed to students on Sunday, Anne Ehrlich, the college’s vice president for student life, indicated that the investigation was “approaching its conclusion” and confirmed that the student responsible for the act is “no longer enrolled” at the institution.
Ehrlich acknowledged the family’s statement, affirming that the college is “committed” to collaborating with them to navigate the path forward “constructively.” She noted that those discussions have already commenced.
The family also shared that they have lodged complaints with the NAACP Pennsylvania Conference, the NAACP Harrisburg chapter, and the Pennsylvania Commission on Human Relations.
While they have not pressed charges with law enforcement, they emphasized their awareness of their right to do so.
Ehrlich stated that her email would be the “final communication regarding the student conduct process related to this matter.”
In a statement issued last week, Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano declared that there is “no place” for discrimination within the institution, urging students to be cautious of misinformation.
He expressed gratitude to the upperclassmen from the swim team who initially reported the incident.
“Let me emphasize my deep concern about what transpired, its repercussions for those who have historically been underrepresented on this campus, and its significance for a community that is striving to cultivate a genuinely inclusive environment,” Iuliano stated.
“Regardless of relationships or motivations, there is absolutely no room on this campus for words or actions that demean, degrade, or marginalize individuals based on their identity or history.”
The Independent has sought further commentary from Gettysburg College regarding the incident and the ongoing investigation.
Established in 1832, the college is situated near the Gettysburg Battlefield, the site of a pivotal Union victory in 1863 that contributed to the eventual abolition of slavery across the United States.
