A troubling incident at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania has led to the suspension of two swim team members following allegations that they etched a racial slur onto another student’s body. This incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about the campus culture regarding race and inclusion.
Details of the incident
According to reports from the college’s newspaper, the Gettysburgian, the incident involved the use of a plastic or ceramic tool to scratch a racial slur onto the victim’s body. The college has not disclosed the names of the students involved, their racial backgrounds or the specific slur that was used. This lack of transparency has left many in the community seeking more information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
College response
In response to the incident, Jamie Yates, the college’s chief communications and marketing officer, confirmed that the two students have been removed from swim team activities while the situation is evaluated through the student conduct process.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the college has not yet reported the incident to law enforcement, according to PennLive.com. The swim team’s season is set to begin on Oct. 19, and the college is currently assessing the implications of this incident on the team and the broader campus community.
Campus demographics and reactions
Gettysburg College has a diverse student body, with 2,207 full-time undergraduate students enrolled in fall 2024. The demographics reveal that over 61% of the students are white, nearly 11% are Hispanic/Latino, less than 5% are Black, 2.4% are Asian, and about 14% are international students. Students of color from the United States make up a total of 21.3% of the student population.
The incident has prompted reactions from students, many of whom expressed their disgust and disappointment.
Importance of addressing racism in educational institutions
This incident at Gettysburg College highlights a critical issue that many educational institutions face: the persistence of racism and the need for effective measures to promote inclusivity and respect among students. Colleges and universities are tasked with not only educating their students academically but also fostering an environment where all individuals feel safe and valued.
As discussions around race and inclusion continue to evolve, it is essential for institutions to take proactive steps in addressing these issues. This includes implementing comprehensive diversity training, creating safe spaces for dialogue and ensuring that all incidents of racial discrimination are taken seriously and addressed promptly.
