Georgia State University soccer player Natalia Martinez was suspended after allegedly using a racial epithet on social media, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. WSB-TV 12 reports that following the suspension, Martinez, who was an 18-year-old freshman, withdrew from the university.
Martines allegedly used the n-word in her post; GSU Athletics has issued a statement noting that they did "tolerate the language" Martinez used.
Statement from GSU Athletics: pic.twitter.com/qLop6vODek— GSU Panthers (@GSUPanthers) January 20, 2018
GSU student India Bridgeforth created an online petition to have Martinez expelled from the university, believing that suspension wasn't enough. "We felt like that was kind of a slap in the face, especially considering how many students of color are here," Bridgeforth said. "There's so many students of color here why would you want to be here, if you feel that way about us?"
At the time of this posting, the petition has received over 600 signatures, with a goal of 1,000. “As a progressive, diverse university, we … feel like this sort of behavior should not be tolerated,” Bridgeforth added.
Shortly after the petition was created, Gomez withdrew from the school, according an official university announcement.
The university is aware of a social media incident involving a student-athlete. On Monday, the student withdrew from the university.— Georgia State U. (@GeorgiaStateU) January 22, 2018
Just in: Georgia State University soccer player who used the n-word on her Instagram page will withdraw from the school after backlash, a school spokesperson says. pic.twitter.com/zf2A6y8lvI— Matt Johnson (@MattWSB) January 22, 2018
Gomez has yet to personally comment on the incident. The controversy at GSU comes just a week after former University of Alabama student Harley Barber was expelled following a racist rant on social media.
