{ "id": "2023-04-20-lehigh-university-hate-crime-assault-after-racist-comments", "slug": "lehigh-university-hate-crime-assault-after-racist-comments-2023-04-20", "institution": { "name": "Lehigh University", "shortName": "Lehigh", "state": "PA", "type": "private-r1", "alertSystemName": "HawkWatch / LUPD", "enrollment": 7000 }, "incident": { "date": "2023-04-20", "type": "hate-crime", "cleryCategory": "timely-warning", "resolution": "under-investigation", "headline": "Hate crime assault after racist comments on campus", "headlinePublic": "Hate crime assault after racist comments on campus", "summary": "Lehigh University Campus Safety [published a safety bulletin](https://campussafety.lehigh.edu/police/clery-act-information-statistics/hawkwatch-alert-log). Full text recovered from the HawkWatch alert log page.", "outcome": "See official Campus Safety bulletin for investigation status." }, "alerts": [ { "sequence": 1, "type": "initial", "timestampApprox": "Safety bulletin dated 2023-04-20", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "Dear Members of the Campus Community,\n\nI am writing to share important information regarding a hate crime investigation that began over the weekend involving Lehigh students. The following is what Lehigh police know at this time.\n\nA group of four white individuals whom Lehigh University police have concluded were not Lehigh-affiliated or from the Bethlehem area were driving on Lehigh's campus and yelled racist comments directed at a Black Lehigh student who was with a group of Lehigh student friends. The Black Lehigh student ran after the car as a result of the hate speech before he disengaged and rejoined his group of friends walking on campus.\n\nThe suspects got out of their car, followed the Lehigh student group and assaulted our Lehigh student. After an ongoing verbal exchange, some of the suspects pursued the group of students into a campus residence hall, assaulting our student again. Thankfully, our student suffered no serious physical injuries. The student has requested anonymity to protect privacy.\n\nThe suspects left campus before the incident was reported to the Lehigh police. After the incident was reported and as a result of the investigation, Lehigh police identified the individuals involved and are evaluating criminal charges or a potential restorative justice resolution. The victim and the Lehigh students who witnessed the incidents are cooperating fully with the investigation. \n\nThese racist comments and hate crime are deeply disturbing and upsetting. They affect not just the students involved, but also other Black students and individuals in the Lehigh community. Hate speech and violence are not tolerated on Lehigh's campus. \n\nAlthough we strive to create a safe campus home for our students, dangerous situations are a possibility. \n\nIf you feel unsure about whether or not to contact Campus Safety, call.Lehigh University Campus Safety and Lehigh police are available 24/7 at 8-4200 (on-campus) or (610) 758-4200 (off-campus). Students, faculty and staff who feel they are in danger or in a situation that feels \"off\" should feel comfortable quickly contacting Campus Safety and Lehigh police to help facilitate a timely and safe resolution for them and our Lehigh community. \n\nMy heart goes out to the involved students and to all members of our community who are undoubtedly impacted by incidents of hate and discrimination. We will vigorously investigate these incidents and hold people accountable. \n\nJason D. Schiffer\n\nAVP, Campus Safety Division\n\nLehigh University Chief of Police\n\nAugust 30, 2022 @ 1709hrs - Update to Timely Warning: Ongoing Investigation\n\nFollowing up on yesterday's developments and the ongoing investigation (https://lehigh.apparmor.com/Notifications/CAP/?id=95743), campus operations are continuing as communicated.\n\nCampus buildings continue to be accessible by card access only until further notice; otherwise, campus is operating as normal.\n\nLUPD continues to cooperate with the Bethlehem Police, the New York City Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies who are actively pursuing available leads and tips.\n\nWhile we do not have reason to believe the individual who made the threats is in the Lehigh Valley at this time, as a reminder, we encourage all members of the community to be alert to their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity to the LUPD by calling (610) 758-4200.\n\nWe will provide another update tomorrow, or sooner if new information becomes available.\n\nFor prior updates, visit: