COTTLEVILLE, Mo. – School administrators discovered a noose on the campus of Francis Howell High School Thursday.
According to a letter Principal Dr. Suzanne Leake sent to families, the noose was hanging in a men’s bathroom at the stadium. There was no note or anything accompanying in the stall.
In the initial statement, Leake noted that “a noose is a powerful symbol of hate and racially motivated violence; such a symbol has no business in our schools or facilities.”
School administrators worked with police to review surveillance footage, interview students and adults who were using the facility at the time, offer support, reiterate school standards, and provide counseling.
While the incident was initially believed to be racially motivated, the school released a statement later, which read:
“Working in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we have identified the individual involved. After extensive conversations and investigations, we do not believe this to be a racially-motivated incident. However, we understand the symbolism of a noose and the harm it has caused to our community. The Francis Howell School District will not tolerate hate or racially-motivated violence in our schools or on our campuses. We will continue to work in partnership with students, staff, and community members to nurture an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, supported, and loved.”
The first day of school for the Francis Howell School District is Tuesday.
