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A college in Pennsylvania is investigating after a student athlete carved a racist slur into his teammate’s chest with a box cutter.

The incident occurred on September 6 during a meeting of members of the Gettysburg College swim team. The victim’s family called the incident a “hate crime.”

According to a family statement published in the college newspaper, The GettysburgianThe family pointed out that their son was the only person of color at the gathering and that the “reprehensible act” was committed by someone the young man “trusted.”

“This student carved the N-word across his chest with a carpet knife,” the statement said.

The family added that they decided to speak out to “bring clarity” after they believed misinformation about the incident had emerged in the media.

“We have made this statement now in the expectation that it will provide clarity and not cause controversy as we try to make sense of the nightmare that is plaguing our son and our family,” they said.

“Our son did not choose to have a hateful racist slur scrawled across his chest, but he did choose not to return the hate. He did not choose the color of his skin, but he did choose to embrace the strength and diversity it represents.

“Our son did not choose to be shunned and isolated at the behest of some who pay only lip service to inclusion and diversity.”

In an email sent to students on Sunday, Anne Ehrlich, vice president for university life, said the investigation into the incident was “nearing completion” and that the student who committed the act was “no longer enrolled at the university.”

Ehrlich also confirmed the family’s statement that the college is “committed” to working with them to move forward “constructively.” “Those conversations have already begun,” she wrote.

The family’s statement also said they have filed complaints with the Pennsylvania Conference of the NAACP, the Harrisburg Chapter of the NAACP and the Pennsylvania Commission on Human Relations.

The family has not filed a report with the police and stressed that they are aware that they can file a complaint.

Ehrlich said her email was the “final communication regarding student conduct procedures in this matter.”

In a statement released last week, Gettysburg College President Bob Iuliano said there is “no place” for discrimination at the institution and urged students to beware of misinformation.

He thanked the senior swim team members who first reported the incident.

“I want to emphasize my deep dismay at what has happened, its impact on those who have long been underrepresented on this campus, and its consequences for a community that continues its efforts to create a truly inclusive environment,” Iuliano said.

“Regardless of the relationship and regardless of the motivation, there is no place on this campus for words or actions that demean, degrade or exclude a person because of their identity and history.”

The Independent has reached out to Gettysburg College for further comment on the incident and the ongoing investigation.

Founded in 1832, the college is located near the battlefield of Gettysburg, where a decisive victory by Union troops in 1863 helped abolish slavery throughout the United States.