2 Charged In Assault On Black Student At University of Arizona

TUCSON, AZ — Two students at the University of Arizona are facing charges after assaulting a black student on campus, according to the university.

The assault happened on Tuesday and a racial slur was used during the incident, according to a letter from university president Robert C. Robbins. The two students, who have not been identified, were both charged with class 1 misdemeanor assault.

In a letter to the community, Robbins wrote that the Dean of Students is in contact with the victim and the victim's family. Robbins also said he asked that the victim receives support.

"I want our community to know that racism, bias and violence will not be tolerated at this University," Robbins wrote.

"I will be working with members of my administration to ensure we have a comprehensive response to issues of bias and discrimination on campus, and that we are promoting and fostering our core value of inclusion. I call on all members of our community to make the same commitment to stand against racial bias in any form."

According to the police report of the incident obtained by AZ Central, the victim told police that he was tackled and punched in the head and was repeatedly called a racist slur by the assailants. The victim also said he was kicked while on the ground.

In response to the assault, the university's Black Student Union organized a protest on Friday to show solidarity with the victim of the attack.