WINONA LAKE – Grace College is responding to a report of a written racial slur found outside a black student’s dorm room Monday morning.
The freshman, who is attending Grace on a track scholarship, found the racist message when he got home from work.
“N*****s don’t belong here,” the message read.
The student called his mother, who lives in Indianapolis.
Melissa Jude, the student’s mother, said she was worried about her son’s safety. She said her son had reported being called racial slurs before at Grace.
She said she was shocked this would happen at a Christian school.
“I’m surprised that people who know God could behave that way,” Jude said.
Jude added that she knows that hate can exist anywhere.
Jude contacted the track coach immediately. She said the coach said this would not be tolerated and he was going in to get in touch with school officials.
Jude said she was contacted soon by the dean of students and later spoke with the dean, Winona Lake Police Chief Joe Hawn and Grace President Bill Katip.
“I am angry and heartbroken that this act has taken place, and it is our shared responsibility to respond to this act of hate in a clear and decisive way,” Katip said in a letter to students.
The incident is under investigation by the Grace College Campus Safety Office and Winona Lake Police.
“As we investigate, let me be absolutely clear: Racism will not be tolerated at Grace College. We are first and foremost a community of believers in Christ. We are one body called to edify and love one another. There is no place for hate on our campus. If you believe there is, then you do not belong on our campus,” Katip said in the letter.
Hawn said that while the incident is terrible, “Unfortunately, Indiana does not have hate crime laws,” he said.
Hawn said he was expected to meet with Katip later today to discuss how to proceed.
Hawn added this was an isolated incident and he’s never received a report of a similar incident at Grace.
A second statement released by the college details its response to the incident.
“Monday, an all-campus meeting was convened to address the incident. Dr. Katip spoke from his heart on the matter, explained what was being done to address it and led everyone in prayer. Monday evening two separate meetings were held on campus: one for African American students and another for students who live in the residence hall involved to share their concerns, information and ideas to address the matter. Today an open meeting will be held for all of those on campus affected or concerned about this or related incidents at Grace,” the statement reads.
“In the days ahead, Grace College will provide updates to the campus and the public as appropriate regarding the investigation and our actions to address this incident. We will continue to seek answers for how best to respond, grow and understand as a campus. We will take all actions necessary to stop any and all harassment on campus and prevent it from reoccurring while we care for and minster to those affected by today’s incident. Grace College is steadfast in our commitment to ensure all people feel welcomed and respected on our campus. As Dr. Katip shared this afternoon, we must be ‘an inclusive, welcoming, respectful, civil, and loving community of believers — one that loves all our neighbors in ways that demonstrate the love of Jesus, in keeping with the Word of God as our authority,’” the statement continued.
Four percent of Grace’s student population is African American, according to Amanda Banks, public information officer for the school.
Jude said she was feeling better with the school’s response but also hopes it’s sincere and not just a way to protect the school’s reputation.
Grace College was accused of racism earlier in the year when some employees posed in a rap mock-up cover. Three of the six employees involved were fired.
