Source: The Boston Herald

On September 25, 2000, The Boston Herald reported that "spurred into action by an alleged skinhead attack on an Islamic Harvard student, Cambridge religious leaders yesterday organized a silent vigil in Harvard Square and warned students to be on their guard. The 150 protesters called for peace and tolerance in a city known as much for its diverse and eccentric residents as its institutions of higher learning. 'We want to protect all people, regardless of who they are or what their ethnic background is,' said former Harvard student Eileen Dunne of Medford. 'We think everyone should be welcome in Harvard Square.' The Muslim student, who was wearing a prayer cap, was returning to his dorm from the Islamic prayer room Tuesday night when he was attacked, police said. Two white men with shaved heads grabbed the student from behind as he walked along the rear of St. Paul's Church, police said. The men punched and kicked the victim, who was found minutes later by another student who called police. 'He was singled out because he was Muslim,' said Jacqueline Landry, Catholic chaplain to Harvard students, who attended yesterday's vigil.