Noose found on high school campus, sparking investigation

Superintendent: Such actions `will not be tolerated' in district

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. Cammack said staffers would work with Fremont police to investigate the incident.

“Our district celebrates our diversity and deeply values the caring, compassionate culture in our schools,” he said in the statement. “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 staffers 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 extrajudicial killings.

A school resource officer was handling the case with help from the department's investigative division, Fremont police Lt. Ricardo Cortes said Wednesday afternoon.

Cortes said the rope was found during the school day, but was not able to say where the tree was on campus and did not offer a time of discovery, citing investigative efforts. He said he could not recall hearing about any similar incidents in recent weeks or months.

“We want to figure out who did this and what the intent is and, then (proceed) based on that, whether we have a behavioral issue or it's something of a criminal nature,” Cortes said. “It does not look very good at all … but regardless of intent, we are going to investigate thoroughly. It has an impact on people on our community, and we want to address it though every avenue possible. We will not ignore it.”

Anyone with information may call Fremont police Officer Reggie Candler at 510-790-6900 or email rcandler@fremont.gov.