Incident on the New Brunswick Campus

October 13, 2003

To the Rutgers University Community:

I am disheartened to inform you that in the early hours of Sunday morning, a fight broke out among as many as thirty individuals in front of the College Avenue residence of Squam, a fraternity not officially recognized by the University. The disturbingly violent incident led to the hospitalization of two Rutgers students who suffered severe injuries. On behalf of the University, I offer our prayers for these students and our heartfelt sympathies to their families and friends.

The Rutgers University Police Department reported to the scene and has been investigating the incident in cooperation with the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office and the New Brunswick Police Department. Several arrests have been made to this point in the investigation. It is important to note that this incident appears to have no connection to the Israeli and Palestinian events that took place on and near our New Brunswick campus over the weekend.

I want to state unequivocally that the University strongly deplores the senseless violence that occurred and will pursue all appropriate actions against any Rutgers students who took part in the incident. Such behavior is reprehensible, even criminal, and has no place within the Rutgers community.

Please note that Rutgers is making available counselors for any student, faculty member, or staff member who may want to speak with them in regard to this traumatic incident. For counseling information, visit http://ruweb.rutgers.edu/counseling.html or call the Rutgers Information and Referral Center at 732-932-INFO.

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey