Muslim student attacked

While walking to class Tuesday afternoon, a muslim student was physically assaulted and verbally harassed by a white student. \nNurakmal Yunos, a Muslim-Malaysian taking classes at IU, was greeting a friend in Arabic when she was forcefully slapped on her back by a white male. \nAccording to Yunos, the aggressor asked if "she was going to the mosque for one of those killing-spree classes?" He went on to say, "well you should just go home bitch, we don't want you here. You are nothing but Muslim trash."\nYunos said she waited for the male to leave.\nWhile she is physically fine, she still feels threatened that others will judge her based on her appearance. \n"I just kept quiet because I didn't want to start anything," Yunos said. "I thought if I shut up it would just go away." \nYunos reported the harassment to the IU Police Department Wednesday morning, she said.\nYunos stressed that other international students on campus should be aware that this could happen to them as well. \n"We as Muslims in no way contribute to any act of violence," Yunos said. \nEven though she has suffered this terrifying attack, Yunos remains understanding of the pain and anger that motivated her attacker.\nPublished reports across the country indicate terrorists hijacked four airplanes which crashed into both towers of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a rural Pennsylvania town.\n"I know at the moment, people are going through a lot of emotions but they should not go around hurting others," Yunos said. "This will not bring anyone back." \nYunos is not the only student on campus who has been assaulted since Tuesday's attacks. \nIUPD has confirmed one other incident of harassment, but would not release details.\nThe Muslim Student Union reported three other unconfirmed reports of other incidences evoked by the aftermath of the attack on America. \nThe IUPD is aware of the hate crimes that have been occurring on campus and are actively pursuing all leads. \n"We are patrolling all areas that might be at risk," said Lt. Jerry Minger.\nAccording to Minger, IUPD is actively patrolling religious organizations and residential facilities. \nSince Tuesday some students have been hostile towards certain groups, but most are keeping in mind that IU must stay united, one student said. \n"(Muslims) are being blames for something they obviously had nothing to do with," said sophomore Natalie Nachman, who has heard of verbal and physical assault on campus. \nJake Oakman, IU Student Association president, said he is disturbed by these assaults.\n"The acts here are as ridiculous and cowardly as what happened in New York and Washington," he said. "Taking out what you feel on others because of their skin color is ridiculous."\nStudents who feel unsafe walking around campus are encouraged to call the IUSA Safety Escort Program, where transportation is provided as a service. Walking escorts can also be arranged. For more information call 855-SAFE.