Arab Muslim Student Injured in Possible Hate Crime Hit-and-Run at Stanford
A disturbing incident occurred at Stanford University in California, where an Arab Muslim student was injured in a hit-and-run incident, which is being investigated as a possible hate crime by the California Highway Patrol. The incident took place on Friday near several student residence buildings at Campus Drive and Ayrshire Farm Lane.
According to Stanford’s Department of Public Safety, the student was struck by a black SUV. The victim reported that before the driver accelerated and hit them, there was eye contact, and the driver shouted f*** you and your people from the vehicle’s open window. The student, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, is currently receiving medical care.
The California Highway Patrol is treating this incident as a potential hate crime due to the circumstances surrounding the strike. The description provided by the student identifies the driver as a white male in his mid-20s, with short dirty-blond hair, a short beard, and wearing round framed eyeglasses along with a gray shirt at the time of the attack.
The victim described the vehicle involved as a black Toyota 4Runner with California plates, likely from the model years 2015 or newer. The vehicle had an exposed tire mounted to the rear center and a Toyota logo in the center of the wheel.
The incident has raised concerns across the Stanford campus, leading to heightened security measures and deployment of additional security personnel at key locations. The university aims to ensure a safe and secure environment for its students, considering the current tensions related to the events in Israel and Gaza.
Stanford administrators expressed their deep concern and condemned the violence. In a note sent to students and faculty, President Richard Saller and Provost Jenny Martinez stated that violence on campus is unacceptable and hate-based violence is morally reprehensible.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the California Highway Patrol at 650-779-2700 or Stanford Public Safety at 650-329-2413.
This incident sheds light on the importance of fostering a respectful and inclusive campus environment, where incidents of hate and violence are thoroughly addressed and appropriately condemned. The Stanford community stands together in support of the injured student and in their efforts to maintain a safe campus for all.
