School says rainbow nooses on campus were art display, not hate speak
NASHVILLE, Tenn.-- After a Tennessee university said it would investigate six nooses arranged in the colors of the rainbow and hanging from a tree on campus, school officials said Tuesday that they were part of an art display for a sculpture class and not intended as a political statement or hate symbol.
Austin Peay State University President Alisa White told students Tuesday that the unnamed student who made them was concerned and apologetic about the perception of the display.
CBS affiliate WTVF in Nashville reported that White had previously issued a statement calling the nooses "deeply disturbing."
"This incident is deeply disturbing and is hurtful to our University community," White said in the statement. "Regardless of the intent, the display has no place on our campus. I am saddened, and I am sorry for the hurt and offense this has caused and want our students, faculty, and staff to know that it will not be tolerated."
The nooses were hung from a tree near the art building at the Clarksville campus Monday afternoon. Campus police removed them after a complaint.
The student responsible issued a statement saying the display was meant to invoke the cycle of death and rebirth represented by springtime but some students were skeptical that anyone would not know nooses are a symbol of lynching.