A female international student at the University of Virginia has reported an assault after she and her friend were allegedly pelted with eggs from a passing car near the campus’ swimming facility.
Based on the report filed to the University Police Department, the second-year student and her friend were near the Aquatic & Fitness Center on Tuesday night when eggs were thrown out of a car window toward their direction. Fortunately, none of the eggs hit the students, who are both Chinese, reports The Cavalier Daily.
One of the victims wrote an email to University President Jim Ryan, saying that they felt “insulted by this failed attack and were deeply paranoid and disgusted by any intention that might be behind the attack.”
“We hope you pay serious attention to this case and in some way prevent any means of future occurrences of cases like this,” the victim added. “We are worried about other Asian students’ safety on Grounds.”
In a statement posted on Facebook, the Asian Student Union called the attempted assault “deeply disturbing to Asian students.”
“Although we cannot be absolutely certain that this incident was a targeted racial attack, the circumstances are too unusual for it to be dismissed as a coincidence. This attempted assault is deeply disturbing to Asian students at U.Va. and warrants serious action by the University.”
Meanwhile, the Student Council’s Executive Board strongly condemned the incident as “racist” and “xenophobic.”
“We recognize that the University and world are entering a confusing time and that many are concerned about their well-being and the well-being of their loved ones. However, we must emphasize that now, more than ever, is the time to care and look out for our fellow community members, particularly our community’s most marginalized groups.”
The Office of the Dean of Students and the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights have reportedly reached out to the victims to extend support. The incident is currently under investigation by the university police.
Feature Image via Asian Student Union at UVA (Left), uva (Right)
