Visitors report finding noose in Enid locker room

Staff Writer bfelder@oklahoman.com

ENID — After a middle school football game in Enid on Tuesday, students from visiting Ponca City found a hanging noose in their locker room.

In a Wednesday letter to parents, Enid Public Schools Superintendent Darrell Floyd said an investigation is underway to find those responsible for hanging a 2-inch noose in the visitors’ locker room at Enid’s D. Bruce Shelby Stadium

“Neither school district condones this behavior, which is insensitive and unacceptable,” Floyd said in the letter.

Ponca City’s football team comprises seventhand eighth-graders from the two middle schools in the district.

“I was informed of this incident (Wednesday) morning and have been in contact with Enid administration continually throughout the day,” said Shelley Arrott, Ponca City Public School superintendent.

“Both schools’ athletic departments have been cooperating on this issue as well.”

Ponca City parent Yolanda Jackson posted a picture of the noose on her Facebook page, which was made from an extension cord hanging in the locker room showers.

“Imagine your kid walking into the Enid locker room and finding this,” Jackson wrote on her Facebook post.

“The hate and ignorance is real. Teach your kids to be respectful of others. A glimpse of small town America.”

The Ponca City school district, which is about 60 miles from Enid, serves around 5,000 students.