'Disturbing' hanging nooses at APSU may be art project

CLARKSVILLE — Austin Peay State University is investigating six rainbow-colored nooses found Monday on campus, which university officials are calling "deeply disturbing" while a student says it was part of a class project.

According to a statement posted on social media Monday night, the nooses were found on campus near the Trahern building, where most of the university art classes are held.

In a statement, President Alisa White called the display "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.”

Images of the nooses were shared on Twitter and Instagram, and many were sharing concerns online.

The statement from the university said there were several complaints about the display, and removed them for concerns of "hate symbolism" and the potential impact on campus.

APSU officials were not immediately available for additional comments Monday night.

A comment on the university's Facebook post indicated the display was part of an art project as part of a sculpture class.

According to a student in the class who asked to not be identified, the display was a part of a project in an introductory sculpture class. The student said the project concepts and locations were approved in advance by the instructor.

This story will be updated.

Reach News Director Jake Lowary at jlowary@theleafchronicle.com or follow him on Twitter @JakeLowary.