The Department of Public Safety has closed its investigation regarding a race related assault on campus. 

“The University has closed its investigation, as has the Radnor Police Department, because the student who reported the incident has chosen not to pursue the matter any further,” Jon Gust, a spokesperson for the University, said in an email.

The investigation regarded the incident on Nov. 10, in which a black female student was reportedly walking through the SEPTA tunnel on west campus encountered two white male students who knocked her to the ground. Public Safety and Radnor Police investigated the incident, and University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue O.S.A., Ph. D. sent an email to students.

“I have been deeply disturbed by several reports of members of our community using our nation’s political process as a justification for behaviors and language aimed to intimidate or humiliate other people,” Donohue said. “This type of behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated at Villanova.” 

Public Safety used footage from cameras positioned on the side of a school building to identify students who were in the area at the time, and several were questioned. One of the students questioned was idenitified in this footage.

Many students were surprised by the termination of the investigation. 

“Despite the suspicious circumstances surrounding this event, I feel as though Villanova should continue further investigation into the assault in order to appease both sides,” Jaiden Dropick said, a junior Communication major. 

For many, the end of this investigation leaves many questions unanswered about what happened that night. 

“I think that the investigation being closed before answers were found is upsetting because people deserve the truth and people deserve justice,” Stephanie Krakower, a Junior Civil Engineer, said. “Now, more than ever, it is important for there to be open communication at Villanova.” 

The University has continued to establish itself as a campus of respect , and has made efforts to create a secure space for students to discuss their thoughts and opinions. The University has chosen to respect the wishes of the allegedly attacked female student in her desire to not continue the investigation.