Police Investigate After Noose Found At College Park

Sunday, September 09, 2007
WBAL Radio and The Associated Press

Police at the University of Maryland are investigating a possible hate crime after a noose was discovered last week hanging near several black campus groups.

Police say the noose was found Thursday on a tree near the Nyumburu Cultural Center.

The building houses the Black Faculty and Staff Association and the Black Explosion newspaper, among other organizations.

There were no notes or threats attached to the noose.

Police say they have opened a criminal investigation and are treating the case as a hate crime.

Here is a message posted on the University of Maryland College Park website from the school's president regarding the matter.

A Message to the Campus on Possible Hate Crime

To Members of the University Community:

The University of Maryland is proud of its great diversity and deeply committed to the right of all members of our family to work and live in an environment in which they feel safe, and respected. The recent report of a possible hate crime, which is now under investigation by our Department of Public Safety, is of great concern. The possibility that this act appears intended to bring to mind the horrific crime of lynching, which is such a terrible and tragic part of our nation's past, is particularly abhorrent.

The University of Maryland will not tolerate discrimination, harassment or acts of hate. All members of our community should be aware that incidents that run counter to our inclusiveness should be reported to one of the offices listed at the end of this letter.

I know that I speak for the entire University of Maryland community in saying that we are dismayed at this possible hate crime. We know that the successful investigation of this act and the apprehension of those responsible will be greatly assisted by members of the campus community who come forward with information.

I want to assure the campus community that Chief Ken Krouse will use every means at his disposal to aggressively track down the culprits—including reviewing all campus video equipment, examining all physical evidence at the scene, meeting with students and other members of the university family—to affirm that we all stand together against any such acts. Any person or persons found guilty of this act will be subject to the university’s full judicial process and any possible criminal actions.

I thank the campus community for standing in unity against the spirit and execution of such acts.

C. D. Mote, Jr., President