gettysburg college student Gettysburg College has made national headlines following a disturbing incident involving a men’s swim team member, who allegedly etched a racial slur into a teammate’s chest. The Pennsylvania-based liberal arts college confirmed over the weekend that the accused student is no longer enrolled, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
Details of the Incident
The troubling event took place on September 6, 2024, during an informal gathering of the men’s swimming team. According to reports, the accused student allegedly carved the N-word into the chest of his Black teammate using a box cutter. The victim’s family, who has chosen to remain anonymous, labeled the act a “hate crime” and emphasized the betrayal, as the alleged perpetrator was described as a trusted friend of the victim.
The Gettysburgian, the college’s student publication, was the first to report the incident. Following the report, both the accused and the victim were suspended from the swim team while the college launched an investigation.
College Response and Community Backlash
In a letter to the campus community, Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano condemned the racist act, stating, “There is no place on this campus for words or actions that demean, belittle, or marginalize anyone based on their identity and history.” Despite the college’s swift condemnation, the incident has sparked an outcry from both students and local civil rights organizations, who are calling for more concrete actions against racism on campus.
The victim’s family has expressed concerns over how the situation was handled, particularly regarding the victim’s suspension from the swim team. The family clarified that the student was not merely suspended but “dismissed” from team participation. They have sent letters to local NAACP chapters and the Pennsylvania Commission on Human Relations, raising concerns about harassment, discrimination, and a lack of due process.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications
As the investigation continues, the college has been tight-lipped on specifics. However, Gettysburg College spokesperson Jamie Yates noted that the college remains committed to working with the victim’s family to find constructive solutions. Additionally, Iuliano has tasked the college’s diversity officer with leading an in-depth investigation that aims to create “concrete measures” to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Despite the college’s efforts to handle the situation responsibly, the incident has cast a spotlight on campus culture. President Iuliano, however, defended the integrity of the men’s swim team, praising the team captains for reporting the incident to their coaches. He emphasized that the act does not reflect the overall culture of the team, which had previously been highlighted for academic and athletic achievements.
National Attention and Fallout
The national spotlight on this incident has led the college to cancel its planned swim team selection ceremony, citing concerns for the safety of student-athletes. The school, which has a storied history dating back nearly 200 years, finds itself grappling with difficult questions about racism, identity, and how to address deeply-rooted issues within its community.
Iuliano, acknowledging Gettysburg’s complex history and ties to the Civil War era, noted that this incident presents an opportunity for the college to learn important lessons about confronting racism. “We know there are lessons to be learned — lessons that must reckon with our collective history,” Iuliano wrote, highlighting the need for actionable steps moving forward.
What’s Next for Gettysburg College?
While the investigation continues, Gettysburg College will need to navigate the fallout from this incident carefully. The actions taken by both the administration and local authorities will likely set a precedent for how similar incidents are addressed in the future.
The broader campus community, civil rights organizations, and the victim’s family await justice and tangible efforts to ensure that racism has no place at Gettysburg College. This incident is a reminder of the work that lies ahead for institutions in fostering safe, inclusive environments where students of all backgrounds can thrive without fear of discrimination.
