SUNY Potsdam University Police are looking for an individual who allegedly punched and kicked a male student repeatedly in what may have been a racially motivated attack.

No one can say for sure whether the unprovoked outburst is a hate crime, but it has the campus community concerned.

The victim received minor injuries but refused to seek medical treatment, university officials said.
 
"Any time you have that kind of fear for our student body, it's definitely a concern for the college," said university spokesperson Alexandra Jacobs.
 
The November 6 incident took place inside an elevator in the Knowles South residence hall.

That's where the unidentified male victim was when two other students approached.

One of the students made derogatory comments to the victim about his clothing and his parents before kicking and punching him numerous times.

The assault was stopped by another student who was with the suspect.

The victim received minor injuries, but refused to seek medical treatment.

The suspect is described as a white male, 5" 10" tall of medium build with short brown hair and wearing a dog tag style necklace with an attached silver ring.

College officials refused to identify the victim or his ethnicity citing federal confidentiality regulations.

The college has always prided itself on its vast cultural diversity and safe environment.

That's one of the reasons college officials say the incident is so disturbing.
 
"We need every single student to know that not only are they safe here, but of course that they're welcome here," said Jacobs.
 
Anyone with information on the attack is asked to contact University Police at 267-2222.