SALISBURY, Md. - Hundreds of students and staff gathered on Salisbury University’s campus Monday afternoon for a community vigil and unity walk, standing together after a recent off-campus assault led to the arrest of thirteen suspects.
Authorities report that the victim was lured to a Salisbury apartment complex under false pretenses, expecting to meet a 16-year-old boy. Instead, he was allegedly attacked by a group that included Salisbury University fraternity members. Those suspects are now facing hate crime charges.
With pride flags in hand, members of the campus community showed their support for the LGBTQ+ community, taking a stand against violence and hate.
University President Dr. Carolyn Lepre addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need to support the LGBTQ+ community, not only in good times but also when facing difficult situations.
“We’re here to send a very clear message,” Lepre stated. “We will not tolerate violence. We will not tolerate hate.”
Salisbury City Council President D’Shawn Doughty also spoke, urging those who feel vulnerable or unseen to remember their right to safety.
“For anyone who feels vulnerable or unseen, let me be explicitly clear: you have every right to be here, to be yourself, and to feel safe,” Doughty said.
Moe Collins, a sophomore and member of the LGBTQ+ Alliance, acknowledged the complex nature of the situation.
“It’s not ideal with it being a person of the community involved in that type of situation, but I feel like a lot of people are trying to put him and us in the same category,” Collins explained. “Not all of us are like that. We’re friendly, and while the age of consent is 16 in Maryland, it still doesn’t feel right to me.”
Mark Delancey, president of Salisbury PFLAG, who says he's a friend of the victim, urged the community to avoid victim-blaming.
“There’s some rumors going around that the victim was a pedophile. Nothing, and I repeat, nothing could be further from the truth,” Delancey said. “He is the victim, and blaming him is one of the most disgusting things I can think of.”
As the investigation continues, the university has suspended the fraternity involved, taking the harshest disciplinary action possible at this time. Dr. Lepre confirmed that she has met with members of the LGBTQ+ community and will continue to engage with them in the coming days.
