Police: Black student assaulted off Lehigh U campus

Racial epithets were allegedly used in attack

A Black Lehigh University student was physically assaulted early Saturday morning by two white assailants who used racist epithets toward him, police and the university said.

The assault happened when the 22-year-old student, who hasn’t been identified, was walking off campus at 3 a.m., near South New and Morton streets off campus at 3 a.m., police said.

One of the assailants “called out to the victim using an offensive and malicious statement concerning the victim’s race,” according to a statement from Bethlehem police. The student was hit in the face by one of the assailants, causing a laceration and swelling to his lip.

The student described the person who hit him as a “white male, approximately 20-25 years of age, 5 foot 8 inches to 5 foot 10 inches in height, with dark colored hair.” Police said anyone who witnessed the event or has information should contact them at 610-865-7000 or bethlehempolice@bethlehem-pa.gov.

Lehigh President Joseph Helble sent a statement to the Lehigh community Saturday evening that said Lehigh police and staff are in contact with the student, who is recovering.

Helble said the university community will receive updates on the investigation.

“Many will understandably feel unsettled following this incident,” Helble said in his statement. “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,” he said. “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.”

Esther Lee, president of the Bethlehem NAACP, said Sunday afternoon she had not yet been in touch with the university or the student. Lee said she was concerned about the safety of college students.

“We’re not going to tolerate such acts,” she said.