Illinois State University police are investigating a reported hate crime against a student.
The ISU Police Department issued a crime advisory on Monday in response to the weekend incident which was reported to the department at about 3:20 a.m. Saturday.
Police say the student was confronted by four suspects about one hour earlier near the Bone Student Center. The suspects reportedly knocked the student off his scooter, started punching him in the face, and referred to the student with terms police described as homophobic and offensive.
“Understandably, a crime such as this creates significant concern on our campus. We are focused on the safety of our entire Redbird community,” the department said in the advisory.
No arrests have been made. Police say the student declined medical assistance.
The department asks anyone with information to call ISU police detectives at (309) 438-8631.
ISU police also issued a series of crime prevention tips, including: traveling in groups and avoiding going out alone at night; planning the safest route; choosing well-lit, busy pathways and streets; and calling police immediately if you see suspicious activity.
The department also offers walking escorts through the Redbird Safe Walk (309-438-WALK) and the Safe Redbirds App.
