In a troubling incident at Gettysburg College, a student who etched a racial slur onto a fellow swim team member's body is no longer part of the institution. The event, which took place on September 6, 2024, has sparked controversy and prompted an investigation at the historic Pennsylvania institution.
Anne Ehrlich, Vice President for College Life, informed the campus community that the inquiry is nearing completion. The college newspaper, The Gettysburgian, reported on this development on September 22, 2024. It remains unclear whether the student's departure was voluntary or a result of expulsion.
The incident occurred during a swim team gathering where the victim was the sole non-white attendee. According to the victim's family, the perpetrator, previously considered a friend, used a box cutter to inscribe the offensive term. This detail contrasts with the university's initial description of the tool as "plastic or ceramic."
Gettysburg College, founded in 1832 as Pennsylvania College, is renowned for its rich historical connections. The institution's campus, which spans approximately 200 acres, served as a hospital during the famous Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. This battle, resulting in around 51,000 casualties, took place from July 1-3, 1863, and was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War.
The victim's family is contemplating legal action and has engaged the NAACP, one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the United States, founded in 1909. Additionally, they have filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, established in 1955 to address such issues.
In response to the incident, Bob Iuliano, the college president, issued a statement emphasizing the institution's stance against discrimination. He stated, "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."
Gettysburg College, known for its strong liberal arts programs and a student-to-faculty ratio of about 9:1, has a particularly robust history and Civil War era studies department. The institution's athletic teams, called the Bullets, compete in the Centennial Conference and have a strong swimming tradition.
This incident has cast a shadow over the college, which prides itself on its motto "Do great work" and its commitment to sustainability and global education. The institution offers study abroad programs in over 30 countries and has implemented unique initiatives like the "First-Year Seminars" to enhance student experience.
As the investigation concludes, the college community, along with its orange and blue colors, faces the challenge of addressing this act of racial discrimination. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against racism, even in institutions dedicated to education and historical understanding.
"Our son did not choose to have a hateful racial slur scrawled across his chest, but he has chosen not to return the hate."
This event at Gettysburg College, located in Adams County, Pennsylvania, approximately 225 kilometers west of Philadelphia, underscores the importance of continued vigilance and education in combating racial prejudice. It also highlights the need for institutions to foster inclusive environments where diversity is respected and celebrated.