Muslim leaders call for hate-crime inquiry after UW student hit with bottle

SEATTLE (AP) — Religious leaders are calling for a federal hate-crime investigation after a Muslim student at the University of Washington reported being struck in the face with a glass bottle this month.

Arsalan Bukhari, executive director of the Washington chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, says the student, 19-year-old freshman Nasro Hassan, was walking on campus Nov. 15 when a man walked up and struck her with the bottle. Hassan, who is from Fargo, North Dakota, said she was wearing a hijab at the time. She said she suffered a concussion and significant bruising.

CAIR announced Monday it's offering a $5,000 reward for information. Pastors from other faiths and the Church Council of Greater Seattle attended a news conference on campus to show support.

University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce issued a statement Monday condemning the attack and saying the university "will always be a welcoming place for people of every race and faith."

Campus police said they continue investigating.