A University student from Pakistan said another student assaulted him because he is an Arab. But police say the attack was not racially motivated.

Farooq Kalim, 20, said the attack occurred the evening of Feb. 2 at Delta Chi fraternity, 424 E. Fairmount Ave., and took place after his friend, Raymond Aporta, argued with fraternity members.

Kalim said he tried to intervene in the argument on his friend's behalf and was told to leave the party.

As he was walking away, Kalim said he saw his friend accosted. Kalim went back to help, was thrown to the ground and kicked by two fraternity brothers and a pledge.

The attack, Kalim said, was accompanied by taunts of "you Arab" and "towel head." Kalim said friends who were present told him of other taunts, but he could not confirm them.

Tony Hinson, president of Delta Chi, said the incident was not racially motivated and that the pledge acted in self-defense after Kalim charged him.

"There were no racial slurs at the time," he said. "Something like that would be totally absurd."

State College police Cpl. Tom Hart said that at the time of the assault there were no reports of racial insults. He said police believe the case is alcohol-related and is still under investigation.

In a news release issued Feb. 14, State College police said reports of racially motivated remarks were erroneous. The release stated that Kalim and fratenity members Edward H. McFadden and Glenn P. Bodow had entered into "a mutually agreed upon fight."

Hinson said Kalim told people at the party that "in his country, (the pledge) would be dead" for humiliating him in public.

Aporta said the attack was racially motivated, and he confirmed that he heard racial slurs against Kalim.

"Basically, it happened just the way Farooq said," Aporta said.

McFadden and Bodow could not be reached for comment.

After the assault, Kalim was taken to Centre Community Hospital, treated and released, a hospital spokeswoman said.