NCCU Freshman Targeted by Racial Slurs During Football Game, Investigation Launched

A freshman at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), an HBCU, claims she was subjected to racial slurs during her first-ever college football game on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

Samihya Love shared her experience on social media, alleging that a player from the opposing team, Elon University, directed racial slurs and insults at her while she was seated in the stands.

According to Love, the incident occurred after an NCCU player approached the Elon University side of the field, visibly upset.

As tensions rose, she claims that Elon football player Marco Patierno, wearing number 3, squirted water at her and the person sitting beside her, before calling her a racial slur.

“He proceeded to call the girl beside me a ‘btch’ and me a ‘Ngga,'” Love stated in her Instagram post.

Love described how she initially argued back but quickly de-escalated, reminding herself of her future as a criminal justice major.

After speaking with security officers, she returned to her seat, only to face further harassment. According to her account, Patierno later pointed a finger gun at her and said, “fck you btch” directly to her face, causing Love to leave the game in tears.

“I was overly excited for my first college game because I love sports, unfortunately that didn’t last,” Love wrote, adding, “It’s sad that I’m unable to feel comfortable on my own campus, and getting racial slurs spouted at me by white Elon players is definitely not helping me to adjust.”

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The incident has sparked outrage, and Elon University has launched an investigation. Jason Knavel, the associate athletics director of strategic communications at Elon, confirmed the investigation is underway but provided no further comment on the specifics of the case.

The incident has garnered attention from both universities and their student bodies, with many calling for accountability and justice. Love expressed her disappointment in witnessing Black players on the Elon team—Brandon Tyson and Brandon Smiley—stand by without intervening. In her post, she called for greater respect for women and self-awareness within the Black community.

As the investigation continues, students and supporters across both campuses are demanding action to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, regardless of race.

Both NCCU and Elon University have yet to release formal statements addressing the incident.

The outcome of Elon’s investigation will likely shape further discussions about campus safety, inclusivity, and how institutions handle racial harassment.