Police Investigating Reported Harassment of Minority Student

State College Police are investigating an incident of harassment that may be racially motivated.

According to a State College Police Department news release, a 22-year-old Penn State student of Hispanic descent had water dumped on him from a window at the Hetzel Plaza apartment building on Tuesday while being yelled at to “go back to your homeland.”

Police say a detective has been assigned to the case and an investigation is underway, though the police department has not been in contact with the victim since the initial report was made. Police say they’ll look to see if surveillance video can help identify suspects.

The Penn State chapter of the Sigma Lambda Beta fraternity, which identifies itself as a historically Latino organization, circulated a letter about the incident on social media on Tuesday, calling the incident a “hate crime.” The letter identifies the victim as a fraternity member and calls for understanding between different groups of Penn State students, making reference to the racially-charged protests that have swept the campus and country in the wake of the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Both of those men were African-American and were killed in confrontations with police.

Police say the suspects could possibly face misdemeanor ethnic intimidation charges in addition to summary harassment charges.

Police are offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. You can submit an anonymous tip through the police website, or call 814-234-7150. Penn State police are also assisting the investigation.

Black Legs Disappearing into the Blue Sea

Penn State Ticket Allotment For Pinstripe Bowl Sells Out

Barron Inspires Mixed Emotions After Joining Student Protest