Brody's Notes... UPDATE: UNC Attack Was False According To University Officials

By Brody Levesque (Washington DC) APR 12 | The story run on this website earlier today about an alleged "hate crime" attack against a 19 year old University Of North Carolina freshman on the Chapel Hill campus has been determined to be false according to the University's Chancellor.

Four hours ago, UNC Chancellor Holden Thorp released the following statement via e-mail:

April 12, 2011 5:53:00 PM EDT

Message from the Chancellor: Police Determine False Report in Aggravated Assault Case

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

The Department of Public Safety has determined that the alleged aggravated assault reported to campus last night did not occur. That report, filed with campus police on April 5, was false. The University will not report it as a hate crime.

It is important to recognize that incidents of harassment do occur. When they do, we take them seriously. We strive to foster a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment at Carolina.

We recognize that this has been a difficult time for campus. Members of the community who feel they need to discuss what has happened are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students Office at 919-966-4042; Counseling and Wellness Services at 919-966-3658 or 919-966-2281 after hours; LGBTQ Center at 919-843-5376; Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at 919-962-6962; or Human Resources’ Employee Assistance Program at 919-929-2362

Sincerely,

Holden Thorp

The university newspaper, The Daily Tar Heel, reported:

The Department of Public Safety has determined that the alleged aggravated assault reported to campus police April 5 did not occur, officials said.

Quinn Matney, a freshman, told police that a man grabbed his wrist and burned him early in the morning April 4 on the Craige Residence Hall footbridge. Matney said Monday that the attack left him with third- and fourth-degree burns.

Because his report was found to be false, the University will not report it as a hate crime, officials said. Officials have declined to comment on the motive behind Matney’s false account.

Billy Kluttz, co-president of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Straight Alliance, declined to comment on the incident. He said the group will not comment until after its Wednesday meeting when it will have a better understanding of the facts.

Jeff DeLuca, the group’s other co-president, also declined to comment.

In an email, UNC spokesman Mike McFarland said charges could be pending for Matney.