Pat Dollard

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CBS:

Nine students at Dean College have been expelled after a student was beaten up in an attack that was recorded on video.

It happened on the campus in Franklin Friday.

The disturbing video posted online shows a young man confronting another man. Moments later, the first man punches the other, knocking him to the ground and the beating continues.

While the attack goes on, a group of men yell and laugh at the victim as he is knocked to the ground and pummeled with his own sneakers.

The victim was treated for injuries. He was back on campus Tuesday.

“We’re working with our own security folks, as well as Franklin police, to determine the cause of the events,” Dean College Director of Communications Gregg Chalk told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 Tuesday.

Franklin Police are still investigating what led to the fight and expect to file criminal charges soon.

Students say the altercation was over sneakers that the attacker believed the victim had stolen from him. They are limited edition Nike sneakers that sell for $200.

The victim’s roommate tells WBZ that the victim did not steal the sneakers from his attacker and that he brought them from home. He says the victim is not an aggressive person and never fights, and is now recovering from the one sided attack. He asked for privacy during this difficult time.

“We have a zero tolerance policy as it relates to this type of thing and anybody that’s involved will be dealt with strictly and swiftly as possible,” Chalk said.

The college issued a statement saying student safety is a top priority.

“The safety of all members of our community has always been and will continue to be our first priority, and Dean has zero tolerance for conduct that is detrimental to the safety and well-being of its students, faculty and staff. I know that we are all deeply saddened by what has transpired.” Dean College president Paula Rooney said in a statement.