UW-Parkside is investigating a noose found late Wednesday afternoon in a campus residence hall. Officials are also investigating a threatening note the person who reported the incident received early Thursday morning.
"The type of behavior displayed by a very small number of people is not tolerated and will not be tolerated here," said UW-Parkside Chancellor Deborah Ford in a statement, adding UW-Parkside is "proud of the diverse living and learning environment the campus offers."
Students report the campus is currently on lockdown, with student dormitories requiring that students show a campus I.D. to enter.
Additionally in the statement, Interim Dean of Students Cindy Graham said the university is ensuring the individual who first reported the incident is cared for.
The Kenosha County university held two all-campus meetings Thursday to discuss the incident and address student concerns.
UPDATE: UW-Parkside Police Chief James Heller said police took immediate steps to ensure students' safety following the discovery of a noose and subsequent threatening messages in a student residence hall.
In a second release Friday, UW-Parkside officials confirmed that a noose fashioned from rubber bands was found in Pike River Suites, a student residence facility. Additionally, officials confirmed the student who reported the noose received a threatening message Thursday, and that more threatening notes were discovered later the same day.
The university held two all-campus meetings Thursday to address students' concerns. Almost 400 students, faculty, staff and community members reportedly attended.
As the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department-led criminal investigation continues, UW-Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford pledged investigators would find "the person or persons responsible."
UPDATE: A student confessed to authorities Monday that she created the list threatening 13 black students as a hoax to draw attention to the issue, according to the Journal Times.
Authorities determined students, who have been at high alert since the incident occured Wednesday, are not at any risk of danger.
