Student charged in Lehigh residence hall ‘racist language’

BETHLEHEM (AP) — Lehigh University officials say a student has been arrested in connection with what officials call “racist language” scrawled in a room in a university residence hall.

Officials said the student was charged with ethnic intimidation, institutional vandalism and criminal mischief after the incident was reported Thursday night.

University president John Simon said the case involved language “scrawled on a surface in the room” as well as “destruction of personal and university property.”

The statement didn’t identify the student or say what was written. In a campus-wide email Friday, Simon called it “cowardly, vile and disgusting.” The accused student was also suspended and barred from campus.

He said Saturday that administrators had “reached out to the student who was victimized by this behavior and are offering their support and assistance.”