ST. CHARLES COUNTY — A noose was found in the men’s bathroom near the Spartan stadium of Francis Howell Central High School, principal Suzanne Leake said in an email to families Friday evening.
The noose was found Thursday by a parent, and there were no words or notes along with it, she said in the statement.
“A noose is a powerful symbol of hate and racially motivated violence; such a symbol has no business in our schools or facilities,” Leake said in the email.
She said the school is partnering with law enforcement to identify those involved. In the meantime, she said the school will be reaching out to those who saw the noose and provide counseling for those who need support to process the incident.
Law enforcement will review security footage and interview coaches and players to identify the individual or individuals involved.
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Communications officers for the school, Jeanie Smith and Jennifer Jolls, were unavailable for immediate comment.
The principal said in the email that she will make sure to hold those involved accountable to stop racially hateful conduct. She said she recognizes how this news could impact students and faculty of color.
“I see you, you belong here, and you make our community better,” she said.
St. Charles County NAACP board president Zebrina Looney said in a statement that she is disappointed in the continual acts of violence that students of color face in the Francis Howell School District. She said the district on record has the highest number of race-based incidents in the county.
“All children deserve to go to school and be safe and free from mental, physical and psychological harm,” she said. “It is time for FHSD to admit its failure to protect 25% of students who make up the district’s marginalized populations.”