FREMONT — A rope shaped into a noose was found in and removed from a tree at a high school campus Tuesday, spurring a police investigation and promises of discipline from the school district.
In a statement Wednesday, Fremont Unified School District Superintendent C.J. Cammack decried the discovery of what he called “a symbol of hate and violence” at American High School, 36300 Fremont Blvd., and said staff will work with Fremont police to investigate the incident.
“Our district celebrates our diversity and deeply values the caring, compassionate culture in our schools,” Cammack said in part. “Actions that demonstrate disregard for our values and for the individuals in our school community will not be tolerated.”
Cammack added that anyone responsible would face consequences “to the fullest extent of our authority” alongside any criminal charges. Additional campus supervisors and counselors will be available for students and staff in coming days, he said.
Displays of nooses have often been used as symbols of white supremacist hate meant to strike fear in African-Americans of lynchings and other extra-judicial killings.
Police did not immediately respond to a request for further information about the incident.
Anyone with information may call Fremont police at 510-790-6800, ext. 3.
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.
Source: www.mercurynews.com