What happened at Gettysburg College? Racism incident on swim team explained in wake of suspensions

In an incident at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, a swimmer was accused of carving a racial slur into his teammate's chest. He was suspended from the swim team and has since been expelled from the college, according to a statement from the institution released Monday.

The male swimmer is said to have used a carpet knife to carve the hateful insult into the shit during a social gathering.

Although neither the name of the perpetrator nor that of the victim was disclosed, the September 6 incident sparked widespread outrage and criticism.

While Gettysburg College officials said a lawsuit was underway against the student, further details were kept confidential for reasons of the investigation and privacy laws.

Gettysburg College issues a statement about the incident, claiming it is a “serious report.”

In a statement from the institution on September 18, 2024, officials said they had received “an extremely disturbing report that a student had been carved with a plastic or ceramic tool with a racial slur.” The statement, published in the Gettysburgian, continued:

“This is a serious report that is being actively evaluated as part of the student conduct process. At this time, the students involved will not participate in swim team activities pending the outcome of the student conduct process. Due to privacy laws and the ongoing nature of the student conduct process, we are unable to provide any further details.”

The statement also said the incident occurred during an “informal social gathering in a campus dorm.” Further details leading up to the incident or how the victim was restrained remain unclear. Gettysburg College President Robert Iuliano announced that the two's teammates reported the incident.

According to a statement from the victim’s family, according to The Gettysburgian,

“Two weeks ago, on Friday evening, September 6th, our son was the victim of a hate crime. The incident occurred at a swim team meeting. It is important to note that he was the only person of color at that meeting. The reprehensible act was committed by a fellow student and athlete, someone he considered his friend, someone he trusted. This student used a box cutter to carve the N-word on his chest.”

The statement further discussed the subsequent investigation and noted that the victim was interviewed by coaching staff.

They announced that an investigation by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities was conducted shortly thereafter and that, according to the family, it “appeared not to be consistent with the policies and procedures set forth in the Gettysburg College Student-Athlete Handbook.”

The family noted that the “damage continues without much relief” and called for a fair and thorough investigation. The family also announced that they are reviewing their legal options and are considering filing charges.

They announced that the case concerns the civil rights organization NAACP. They have already filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Commission on Human Relations.

The statement continues:

“Our son had other opportunities to mature intellectually, socially and spiritually and to achieve his athletic goals. He chose Gettysburg College and its swimming program because he felt at home on that campus. … Our son did not choose to have a hateful racial slur scrawled across his chest, but he did choose not to return the hate. He did not choose the color of his skin, but he did choose to embrace the strength and diversity it represents. Our son did not choose to be shunned and isolated at the behest of some who pay only lip service to inclusion and diversity.”

Finally, the family apologized to anyone who may have been offended by their statement. They emphasized that they “want to push Gettysburg College to live up to its ideals of diversity, inclusion and equity and to celebrate the college's motto: 'Do Great Things.'”

Gettysburg College President Robert Iuliano reflects on the incident and says there are lessons to be learned

Robert Iuliano reflected on the incident and noted that he was “deeply dismayed by what happened.” He continued:

“No matter the relationship or motivation, there is no place on this campus for words or actions that demean, degrade or exclude anyone because of their identity or history.”

However, he also defended the swim team, noting that the captains should be commended for bringing the incident to light.

“The investigation into the students' conduct has confirmed that the incident is not a byproduct of an unhealthy culture on the sports team or a reflection of the team itself. Rather, we see the captains making their coaches aware of what it means to be a Gettysburgian. … We know there are lessons to be learned – lessons that must take into account our shared history. We know those lessons will not reveal themselves.”

According to ABC News, Robert Glenny Jr., the city's police chief, said he tried to contact the college after the news broke, but was told the victim had chosen to handle the matter internally with the college's help.

However, WGAL-TV reported that Gettysburg College administrators encouraged the victim to take legal action.