Lauren ZimaA fourth student has been suspended and is facing hate crime charges over allegedly bullying a black freshman at San Jose State University.
"The report states they called him racial names and forced a bike lock around his neck." (Via KBCW)
These students also, according to KGO-TV, put Nazi symbols and a Confederate flag up in a shared room. Three white male roommates — all age 18 — were suspended Thursday. Friday a fourth joined them.
The original three have been charged with misdemeanor hate crime and battery. The fourth is facing possible charges.
According to The New York Times, the charged students told police some of the incidents were exaggerated and pranks that had gotten out of hand, insisting this was not racial bias.
And many say this incident doesn't represent the whole university.
KNTV spoke with the father of a prospective student.
"That kind of stuff happens anywhere, you know? Everywhere. I don't look it as the total university — I look at it as an isolated event."
As for the apparent victim, his friend told KRON he is just ready to get back to normal college life.
"It's putting a lot of pressure on him, and I don't think that's good for anybody in a college situation like this."
Monday officials from the university will meet with the NAACP to address the incidents.
