As a result of a Saturday night beating in which a black NIU student suffered 12 stitches, NIU has issued a stern warning to those responsible for the attack.

In a memo from the NIU Office of Public Information, it was stated, “NIU will take strong and swift action against any NIU student found to be involved in a near-midnight assault on an NIU student in the 900 block of Hillcrest Drive.”

NIU President John La Tourette, calling the incident “abhorrent,” pledged immediate follow-up and disciplinary action by Northern’s Student Judicial Office, directed by Larry Bolles.

The student was pulled from his vehicle by three assailants who pummeled the student, DeKalb Police said. Two more white males joined the three and continued beating the student.

The five men fled in a red Jeep Wagoneer with the license number CB 2180.

The victim was taken to Kishwaukee Community Hospital at about 1 a.m. where he received treatment for a cut to his face.

DeKalb City Police are investigating a witness report that the student was beaten after he parked his car.

According to DeKalb Police Lt. Charles Beierlotzer, the police have several suspects, though no arrests had been made as of Tuesday afternoon. Two suspects were taken into custody and later released on the advice of the state’s attorney’s office.

If either of the alleged assailants are NIU students, they would be subject to NIU’s Student Judicial Code in addition to criminal charges. Under the code, students receive notices of the charges against them and have an opportunity to prepare a defense before the hearing process begins.

James Elliot, NIU director of public safety, said the investigation is being conducted entirely by city police. University police have not been directly involved because the incident occurred off campus.

Barbara Henley, acting vice president for student affairs, expressed her dismay by saying, “Incidents such as this are major challenges to the ethical climate we are continuing to create, promote and maintain on this campus. We subscribe to and support each student’s right to matriculate and reside in a respectful and non-violent atmosphere. This right will not be compromised.”