On January 23, a Harvard law student was taken into custody for a racist and homophobic attack on a fellow classmate. Naod Nega, 27, was charged with assault and battery with the intention of intimidation, a hate crime according to Massachusetts state law.
The Cambridge Police Department reported that Nega hurled homophobic and racist slurs at the victim. He made these threats while armed with a baseball bat outside the law school library.
The victim was punched in the unprovoked attack, and subjected to intimidation due to their sexual orientation.
After the attack, Nega was brought to a local hospital, where he reportedly assaulted five male employees. The police department stated that Nega has a history of aggressive and violent behavior and was placed on leave from Harvard Law School.
The Assistant dean, Monica E. Monroe, and dean of students, Stephen L. Ball, released an email to students after the incident. In the email, she condemned the violence and pledged to continue to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the university community.
Nega pleaded not guilty at a January 27th arraignment and was ordered to undergo treatment and evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital. His next hearing is set for Thursday.