PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Police say a Black student at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania was a victim of assault and ethnic intimidation.<\/p>\n
The incident began around 3 a.m. Saturday as the 22-year-old victim was walking near S. New and Morton streets, not far from campus.<\/p>\n
According to Bethlehem police, an adult male called out to the victim using an offensive and malicious statement concerning the victim’s race.<\/p>\n
The victim was confronted by the male, as well as a second adult male.<\/p>\n
Police say one of the males then struck the victim in the face, causing a laceration and swelling to his lip. The victim says the attacker was white.<\/p>\n
Following the attack, the victim went to a friend’s house and called police.<\/p>\n
Lehigh University president Joseph J. Helble released a message to the campus community:<\/p>\n
“Many will understandably feel unsettled following this incident. I want to assure all of our students, especially our students of color, of our commitment to your safety and well-being. I am committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for you. Racism, hate, verbal and physical violence have no place at Lehigh. As a community that welcomes and supports every member, this is a stark reminder that in a challenging world we have work to do, and it is up to all of us to stand up and speak out.”<\/p>\n