A racist message was found in a Grace College residence hall on the door of an African American student on Monday, Oct. 10.

A college spokesperson says there will be a series of meetings held, including with students staying in the affected residence hall.

The college issued the following statement in response to the incident:

Early this morning, a Grace College student was the victim of a hate incident that is currently under investigation as a hate crime by the Winona Lake Police Department and the Grace College Campus Safety Office. As we investigate, let me be absolutely clear: racism will not be tolerated at Grace College. We are first and foremost a community of believers in Christ. We are one body called to edify and love one another.

There is NO place for hate on our campus. If you believe there is, then you do not belong on our campus.

I AM ANGRY AND HEARTBROKEN THAT THIS ACT HAS TAKEN PLACE AND IT IS OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY TO RESPOND TO THIS ACT OF HATE IN A CLEAR AND DECISIVE WAY.

I am asking that anyone with any information about this or other hate-related acts to contact the Grace College Campus Safety Office at 574-269-5344, and they can assist you in in contacting the Winona Lake Police Department. You may also contact the Dean of Students, Aaron Crabtree at 574-527-9662, or Carrie Yocum, at 574-372-5100 x6491 to report any concerns about harassment of any kind. Also, an anonymous notification system will be posted to our Website later today.

If you feel angry, fearful, upset, or vulnerable, the student affairs and counseling teams are available to talk with you. Please contact any of your RD’s or contact the counseling center at 574-372-5100 x6472

Let me be very clear: harassment of any kind will not be tolerated – toward this student or anyone involved in this investigation.

Please be mindful of what you may post on social media as this is a sensitive and hurtful situation, but we are taking immediate and decisive action to investigate and assure the safety of all those involved.

Please pray for our campus, our students involved, their families, and those involved in this investigation as we committed to not ignoring this situation.