WINONA LAKE — According to a written statement sent out by Grace College, earlier this morning, Oct. 9, a student was the victim of a hate incident. This incident is currently under investigation by the Winona Lake Police Department and the Grace College Campus Safety Office.

InkFreeNews is currently working on getting more details about the incident.

“As we investigate, let me be absolutely clear: racism will not be tolerated at Grace College,” said Grace College President Bill Katip in a written statement.  “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.”

“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,” continued the statement. “Please pray for our campus, our students involved, their families, and those involved in this investigation as we committed to not ignoring this situation.”

Anyone with information about this or other hate-related acts are being asked to contact the Grace College Campus Safety Office at (574) 269-5344. Students may also contact Dean of Students Aaron Crabtree at (574) 527-9662, or Carrie Yocum, at (574) 372-5100 ext. 6491 to report any concerns about harassment of any kind.  Also, an anonymous notification system will be posted to Grace College’s website later today.

Students who feel angry, fearful, upset or vulnerable, are encouraged to talk with the student affairs and counseling teams.