Pennsylvania College Investigating Student Athlete Etching Racial Slur Onto Teammate

Two students have been suspended from the Gettysburg College swim team in Pennsylvania after one allegedly etched a racial slur onto a teammate's chest with a box cutter.

The Details: An investigation has been opened by the college, according to its officials. The student who allegedly etched the slur is no longer with the team or the school, and the alleged victim was barred from the team.

College Statement: Gettysburg College president Robert Iuliano said in a statement, “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.” He also warned against speculation “based on fragments of information that may or may not be accurate.”

Family Statement: The family of the alleged victim said in a statement, “It is important to note that he was the only person of color at this gathering. The reprehensible act was committed by a fellow student-athlete, someone he considered his friend, someone whom he trusted. This student used a box cutter to etch the N-word across his chest.”

How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum noted statements from the family and president. In its coverage, The New York Post (Lean Right bias) described both students’ standings as “alleged,” while Newsweek (Center bias) and The Guardian (Lean Left bias) did not.