Man lured through a dating app and beaten by a group; case charged as a hate crime

Moments like these are profoundly difficult to communicate. As President of the University, a resident of the community, and the mother of two college students, the right words escape me — they feel inadequate in fully conveying the weight of the shock and disbelief we all share. The thought of SU students perpetuating any crime is upsetting, but the thought of SU students perpetrating crimes of such a disturbing nature is truly horrifying. Acts of violence toward LGBTQ+ and Ally communities are not only destructive but at odds with the principles of community, respect, and belonging that bind us together as a university. These actions do not reflect the SU that I know and love. A place where everyone should feel safe and free from harm. A place where violence is unacceptable. As we try to heal, we need to acknowledge the harm that hate and violence have brought to our campus, and we must listen to the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. Only together can we ensure there is no place for hate, no tolerance for intolerance, and no room for violence.