Gettysburg College Swimmers Suspended Following Disturbing Incident Involving Racial Slur
Two members of the Gettysburg College swim team have been suspended after an alarming report surfaced regarding a racial slur being scratched onto another student. The college released a statement confirming the incident, which has raised serious concerns within the campus community.
Details of the Incident
According to a report from the student-run newspaper, The Gettysburgian, the incident involved one student scratching a racial slur onto another student’s body using a plastic or ceramic tool. A parent of a swim team athlete later clarified that the suspension applies to both the student who did the scratching and the student who was targeted, with no additional individuals involved.
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Jamie Yates stated, “The college has received a deeply concerning report of a racial slur being scratched onto a student. This is a serious report, which is being actively assessed through the student conduct process.” As a result, the involved students have been barred from participating in any team activities pending the outcome of the investigation.
College Response and Community Impact
Local police were informed of the incident, but Chief Robert Glenny Jr. noted that the victim opted to pursue the matter through the college’s internal processes rather than criminal charges. Gettysburg College has not disclosed further details due to privacy laws and the ongoing investigation.
In an email to the campus community, Gettysburg President Bob Iuliano expressed his deep distress regarding the incident, acknowledging its potential impact on students who are often underrepresented. He emphasized the college’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment, stating, “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.”
Context of Campus Diversity
The incident comes at a time when diversity remains a significant topic at Gettysburg College. As of Fall 2024, approximately 71.8% of the college’s full-time, domestic student body identifies as white, while only 12.6% identify as Hispanic or Latino, 5.5% as Black, and 2.2% as Asian. This disparity highlights the need for ongoing discussions about inclusion and equity within the college community.
Moving Forward
In his letter, President Iuliano urged the community to refrain from speculation and to allow the student conduct process to unfold. He expressed confidence in the institution’s ability to handle the situation thoroughly and appropriately, reinforcing the college’s commitment to the “worth and dignity of all people.”
As the investigation continues, the Gettysburg College community is left to grapple with the implications of this incident, reminding all members of the importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive atmosphere. The swift action taken by the college demonstrates a firm stance against racism and a commitment to maintaining a safe environment for all students.
