A Gettysburg College student has left the institution following an investigation that determined they were responsible for etching a racial slur across a teammate’s chest during a social event earlier this month. The college, which has a student body of approximately 2,200, confirmed the student is no longer enrolled but did not disclose whether the departure was voluntary or a result of expulsion due to privacy regulations.
The incident occurred on September 6 during an informal gathering of the men’s swim team at an on-campus residence. According to the victim’s family, the perpetrator used a box cutter to inscribe the N-word on the chest of their son, who was the only student of color present. The victim’s family expressed their disbelief that someone he considered a friend would commit such a heinous act.
“The reprehensible act was committed by a fellow student-athlete, someone he considered his friend, someone whom he trusted,” the family stated in an article published by The Gettysburgian.
In response to the incident, upperclassmen from the swim team reported the crime, earning praise from Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano for their courage. In his message to the campus community, Iuliano confirmed that two students have been suspended from the swim team pending further investigation.
Jamie Yates, the college’s chief communications and marketing officer, noted that the investigation is nearing completion. “We plan to work with the family about how to move forward constructively,” she stated. Both parties are committed to a dialogue that will take time and effort.
The victim’s family expressed their desire for the incident to catalyze meaningful change at Gettysburg College. They remarked that their son chose the college because it felt like home, emphasizing that he and his family had generally felt welcomed by the community. However, they also acknowledged the mixed responses from peers, with some reaching out to check on their son while others have distanced themselves.
“Our intent is that in some small way a heinous act can serve as a transformative moment for Gettysburg College to live up to its ideals of diversity, inclusion, and justice,” the family articulated.In addition to supporting the college’s investigation, the family has filed complaints of racial discrimination and harassment with the NAACP Harrisburg chapter, the NAACP Pennsylvania conference, and the Pennsylvania Commission on Human Relations.
As Gettysburg College navigates this challenging situation, the commitment to fostering an inclusive environment remains a priority. Conversations about how to prevent such incidents in the future are ongoing, reflecting the community’s dedication to addressing issues of race and equity.
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