https://youtu.be/ZhE4HjggbQw?si=IQ6e25Hn5RVogqZc

In September 2024, a disturbing hate crime occurred at Gettysburg College during a gathering of the college’s swim team. A Black student was the victim of a racially motivated attack where a racial slur was scratched onto his chest by another student. This shocking incident sent waves throughout the campus and garnered national attention. The individual responsible was expelled from the college as the investigation progressed.

The incident unfolded at a social event, and although swift action was taken by some members of the swim team who reported the crime, the overall response from the college administration was criticized for its slow pace. The victim's family voiced their distress, emphasizing the emotional and psychological toll the crime had on their son, and highlighted the need for the college to uphold its values of inclusion, justice, and diversity. They also sought assistance from external organizations, such as the NAACP, to ensure justice was served​.

The victim’s family, while acknowledging the complexities of the case, remains committed to using this tragic incident as a catalyst for change, hoping the college will live up to its ideals and foster a more inclusive environment.

While the student responsible is no longer enrolled, it took an inordinate amount of time for the college to take decisive action, and the victim's family is still grappling with the emotional and psychological toll. Despite promises of transparency, Gettysburg College has been slow in addressing the matter, leaving many questioning the institution's commitment to justice and equity.

We demand accountability from both the individual perpetrators and Gettysburg College for their delay in responding to this grievous violation of human dignity. Hate crimes like this are not just an assault on one individual but a threat to the entire community, perpetuating systemic racism and further marginalizing students of color.

By signing this petition, you are demanding:

A thorough and transparent investigation into the actions of the individuals involved, with clear accountability.

Immediate implementation of anti-racism education for all students and staff to prevent future incidents.

Restorative justice measures for the victim and their family, including mental health support.

An acknowledgment from Gettysburg College of its failures in responding quickly and effectively, along with clear, actionable steps to improve their handling of hate crimes.

Let this be a transformative moment for Gettysburg College and higher education at large, where diversity, inclusion, and justice become not just ideals but lived realities. Together, we can ensure that no student has to suffer the trauma of racial violence without accountability.

Stand for justice. Stand for change.

Today, we stand at a pivotal moment in our collective fight against racism and injustice. The hate crime committed at Gettysburg College, where a racial slur was etched into a Black student’s chest, is not just a vile attack on one individual—it is an assault on the core of our shared humanity. Racism, in any form, must be eradicated, and this moment calls for nothing less than accountability and action from both the perpetrators and Gettysburg College.

We, as a global community, demand the following from Gettysburg College:

A Transparent Investigation and Public Accountability

The College must release a full and transparent report on the investigation, detailing how this hate crime was handled, and ensure that justice is not just a formality, but a reality. The community has a right to know how decisions were made, who was held accountable, and what corrective actions are being taken.

Immediate Institutional Reforms
Gettysburg College must implement mandatory anti-racism education for all students, faculty, and staff to prevent future incidents. It must foster an environment where students of color are protected, supported, and heard. This includes establishing a more robust reporting mechanism for hate crimes, ensuring swift responses, and meaningful consequences for offenders.

Restorative Justice for the Victim

We call on the university to provide mental health support, counseling, and a public apology to the victim and their family. Gettysburg College must work with the family to ensure they are supported, and that the healing process includes community-wide engagement and reconciliation.

Structural Changes in Leadership

The leadership at Gettysburg College must publicly commit to creating an anti-racist campus culture. This means increasing the diversity of its administration and faculty and empowering marginalized voices in decision-making processes that affect the entire student body.

What We Will Do:

As a global community demanding justice, we will not remain silent:

Amplify the Message: We will continue to share this story across our networks, ensuring that the voices of the victim, the family, and those affected by this crime are not silenced or forgotten. Every share, every comment, and every post holds Gettysburg College accountable for its actions.

Petition and Organize:

We will actively engage in petition drives, social media campaigns, and public forums, pressuring the college to follow through with meaningful actions. We will work with civil rights organizations to monitor the situation and push for legal accountability.

Support the Victim and Family:

We will support the victim and their family in every way possible—emotionally, socially, and legally. Their courage in standing against this hate must be met with our unwavering support.

Hold Institutions to Higher Standards:

Beyond Gettysburg, we will hold all educational institutions accountable for creating safe, inclusive environments. This incident is a reminder that hate cannot be swept under the rug. We will demand accountability wherever racism rears its ugly head.

Together, We Will Dismantle Racism. Together, We Will Demand Justice.

The time for action is now. We will not wait. We will not watch idly as institutions delay justice and offer superficial solutions. We demand real change. Stand with us to ensure Gettysburg College, and all institutions, live up to the promise of equality, inclusion, and respect for all.

#NoPlaceForHate #RacialEquity #Accountability #GettysburgCollege #JusticeForAll