University of Colorado at Boulder Chancellor G.P. "Bud" Peterson today said two CU students arrested in connection with a bias-motivated Boulder assault early Sunday morning have been suspended from the university pending a full hearing by CU-Boulder's Office of Judicial Affairs.
Boulder Police on Sunday morning arrested CU undergraduates Adam Perez and Eric Schorling. Perez is a 21-year-old senior majoring in molecular, cellular and developmental biology. Schorling, also 21, is a junior anthropology major.
According to Boulder police, the two engaged in a bias-motivated attack on two Boulder men near 10th and Pearl Streets in downtown Boulder in the early hours of Sunday morning. Police charged Perez with second-degree assault and bias motivated crimes. Schorling was arrested for third-degree assault, bias motivated crimes and felony criminal mischief.
"I am extremely disappointed that two CU students may have been involved in this bias-motivated crime," said Peterson. "The conduct of these students is being addressed through our formal CU judicial affairs process. If found responsible, they will face strong disciplinary sanctions for their conduct."
Peterson said those sanctions could include expulsion and forfeiture of tuition.
"This type of violence has no place in our community," Peterson continued. "We work hard to create an environment of inclusion and one that is welcoming here at CU. While we cannot control people's thoughts or their values, we have sent, and will continue to send, clear messages to the entire community that intolerance and violence will be adjudicated to the fullest extent possible, whether the behavior occurs on campus or off."
Vice Chancellor Ron Stump expressed deep concern for the victims of the crime. "Our entire CU-Boulder community is disturbed by this violation," he said.
"We extend our support to all those impacted by this event and remind everyone that counseling for those who may be experiencing reactions because of recent incidents is available through such CU-Boulder services as Counseling and Psychological Services (303) 492-6766, the GLBT Resource Center (303) 492-1377, the Center for Multicultural Affairs (303) 492-5666 and Victim Assistance (303) 492-8855," Stump said.
Local authorities are still seeking suspects and witnesses in what could be another bias-motivated incident that occurred on the Hill in the early hours of Saturday morning. In that incident, a 19-year-old man was involved in an altercation with a group of men near 10th Street and University Avenue in which racial slurs were allegedly directed at him during the attack. Police also are investigating other incidents of assault that occurred over the weekend that do not appear to be bias motivated in which college-age victims, perpetrators or witnesses are being sought.
"These types of incidents are senseless and unnecessary," said Peterson. "They do not represent the character and commitment of the vast majority of our students or the values of our academic community. Â鶹ÒùÔº must realize that being a member of the CU community carries with it the responsibility to contribute to that community in a positive fashion and uphold the values put forth in the Code of Conduct and the Colorado Creed."
Peterson said it is time for all CU students to follow the standards of conduct that most adhere to all the time.
"Responding to others with violence, confrontation and anger violates the basic values of our community of learning," he said. "I am asking our entire student body to take a stronger personal stance against violence. This means acting to stop it when they see it developing, reporting it immediately when it happens and working to end it as a means of solving disputes."