Twelve Salisbury University students face hate crime charges after allegedly luring and attacking a man based on his sexual orientation, sparking campus-wide controversy and calls for action.
At a Glance
- 12 students charged with hate crimes, assault, and false imprisonment
- Victim lured through fake Grindr account, suffered bruising and broken rib
- University suspended students and fraternity, created LGBTQ+ task force
- Defense attorney contests hate crime charges, claims university rushed to judgment
- Incident heightens fear within LGBTQ+ community, prompts campus unity events
Alleged Hate Crime Shakes Salisbury University
Salisbury University in Maryland finds itself at the center of a troubling case as twelve of its students face serious charges, including hate crimes, assault, and false imprisonment. The students, aged 18 to 21, are accused of luring a man to an off-campus apartment using a fraudulent profile on the dating app Grindr before subjecting him to a vicious attack.
According to court documents, the victim was forcibly confined to a chair, physically assaulted, and subjected to derogatory language. The attack allegedly left the man with bruising and a broken rib, requiring medical attention. Prosecutors assert that the assault was motivated by bias against the victim’s sexual orientation, leading to the hate crime charges.
University Takes Swift Action
In response to the incident, Salisbury University has taken decisive steps. The implicated students have been suspended, and the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon, with which some of the accused are associated, has also been suspended. University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre announced the formation of a task force aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals on campus.
“Our community is reeling from an act of visceral hate,” said University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre. “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 university’s swift action demonstrates a commitment to addressing the incident’s impact on the campus community. However, it has also drawn criticism from some quarters.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Response
As the case moves forward, defense attorneys are contesting the hate crime charges. Steve Rakow, representing one of the accused students, Riley Brister, stated that his client will plead not guilty. Rakow also criticized the university’s decision to suspend the students before any legal findings were made.
“Let me just set the record straight—this is not a hate crime,” Rakow asserted. “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 legal proceedings are expected to shed more light on the complexities of the case, including allegations involving underage participants and the specific roles of each accused individual.
Community Response and Support
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Salisbury University community and beyond. PFLAG Salisbury, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, has expressed outrage and is offering support to affected individuals. The university is planning a community vigil and unity walk to promote healing and solidarity.
“I really feel right now the biggest obstacle to overcome, is that this is a slap in the face to the LGBTQ community. This is something that just hits a very raw nerve. It creates fear, it creates anxiety, it creates feelings of not feeling worthy. So it really hits the core of an individual and who they’re trying to be, when all they’re trying to do is exist,” said Mark DeLancey, a community member.
As the legal process unfolds, Salisbury University faces the challenge of addressing the immediate concerns of its students while working to prevent future incidents and fostering a more inclusive campus environment. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and the importance of community vigilance in combating hate-motivated violence.
Sources:
- 12 College Students Charged in Hate Crime Attack After Luring Victim With Grindr
- 12 Salisbury Univ. students charged with hate crimes for allegedly beating man over his sexual orientation, police say
- Dozens gather at Salisbury University in response to alleged hate crime
