Gettysburg College Student Exits After Carving Racial Slur on Teammate's Chest at Swim Team Event

Gettysburg College

Gettysburg College Student Exits After Alleged Racial Slur Carving Incident

An unnamed student at Gettysburg College is no longer enrolled following allegations of carving a racial epithet into a teammate's chest at a men's swim team gathering on September 6. The college announced the decision over the weekend in a joint statement with the victim’s family.

The incident, reported by The Gettysburgian, involved the accused allegedly using a box cutter to etch the N-word onto the victim, who was reportedly the only person of color at the informal gathering. Both the accused and the victim were initially suspended from the swim team pending an investigation.

College President Bob Iuliano condemned the act in a letter to the campus community, emphasizing that such behavior has no place at the college. The victim's family described the incident as a "hate crime" and noted their intent to raise awareness about discrimination, having sent complaints to various civil rights organizations.

While it remains unclear why the victim was suspended, the family expressed that he was "dismissed" from the team. The college is conducting an inquiry led by its chief diversity officer to ensure preventive measures are established for the future.

Amidst this turmoil, the college removed the swim team roster to protect the identities of the student-athletes involved. Iuliano praised the team captains for promptly reporting the incident to coaches, highlighting that it reflects positively on the team's culture.

Gettysburg College Student Exits After Carving Racial Slur on Teammate's Chest at Swim Team Event