Noose found at middle school in Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Authorities say a rope that was tied in a noose was found hanging outside a middle school in Orlando, Florida.
News outlets report several students and staff members at Gotha Middle School saw the noose Wednesday morning before it was taken down.
Orange County Public Schools officials say police are investigating, and whoever is found responsible will be prosecuted. School officials say counselors were available to talk to any students and extra security was on hand. It wasn’t immediately clear what the noose was hanging from, if it caused a disturbance or if any classes were canceled.
Parents were notified by a recorded message sent by the school principal Patrice Knowles, reports CBS affiliate WKMG-TV.
“This type of incident will not be tolerated in any Orange County Public School campus,” Knowles said.
Nooses are often considered symbols of hate because of their association with lynching.
An Orange County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman said they’re reviewing the incident, but said it didn’t appear to be a crime.