Twelve Salisbury University students face serious charges in an alleged hate crime attack, sparking campus-wide outrage and calls for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
At a Glance
- Twelve students charged with hate crimes, assault, and false imprisonment
- Victim lured through fake Grindr profile, suffered bruising and broken rib
- University suspended students and fraternity, created LGBTQ+ inclusion task force
- Incident heightens fear within LGBTQ+ community, prompts campus unity events
Alleged Hate Crime Shocks Salisbury University
Salisbury University in Maryland finds itself at the center of a disturbing controversy as twelve of its students face charges including hate crimes, assault, and false imprisonment. The incident, which occurred off-campus, has sent shockwaves through the university community and beyond.
According to court documents, the victim was lured to an off-campus apartment through a fake profile on Grindr, a dating app popular within the LGBTQ+ community. Once there, the students allegedly forced the victim onto a chair, physically assaulted him, used derogatory language, and prevented him from leaving. The attack is believed to be motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation.
12 students at Salisbury University in Maryland face hate crime charges for allegedly targeting a gay man on Grindr and luring him to an apartment where they viciously assaulted him.https://t.co/gPcieRDgms
— METRO WEEKLY (@metroweekly) November 11, 2024
University’s Response and Community Reaction
In response to the incident, Salisbury University has taken swift action. The involved students, aged 18 to 21, have been suspended, and the university is cooperating fully with law enforcement. Additionally, the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon, with which some of the accused are associated, has been suspended.
“Our community is reeling from an act of visceral hate,” stated University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre in a public address. She further emphasized, “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.”
The incident has heightened feelings of fear and anxiety within the LGBTQ+ community on campus. In response, the university has announced the creation of a task force focused on LGBTQ+ inclusiveness, aiming to address these concerns and prevent future incidents.
Legal Proceedings and Controversy
The accused students face serious charges, including first-degree assault, false imprisonment, reckless endangerment, and hate crime charges. However, the case has sparked controversy, with at least one defense attorney challenging the hate crime designation.
“Let me just set the record straight—this is not a hate crime,” stated Steve Rakow, attorney for one of the accused students. Rakow also criticized the university’s decision to suspend the students before any formal findings, saying, “It’s very unfortunate that Salisbury University has jumped to conclusions by suspending these young men before there has been any findings related to this incident.”
The victim, who sustained bruising and a broken rib, reportedly did not initially notify law enforcement due to fear of retaliation. The case gained momentum when witnesses came forward, driven by a video of the incident.
Community Response and Support
In the wake of the incident, the Salisbury University community has rallied to show support for LGBTQ+ students and condemn acts of hate. A community vigil and unity walk are planned on campus to demonstrate solidarity.
As the legal process unfolds, Salisbury University continues to grapple with the impact of this incident on its campus community. The university’s leadership has emphasized its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to this alleged hate crime.
Sources:
12 College Students Charged in Hate Crime Attack After Luring Victim With Grindr
Dozens gather at Salisbury University in response to alleged hate crime
