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Saturday, February 27, 2010

Noose Found Hanging in UCSD Library; Student Suspended - San Diego 6

Noose Found Hanging in UCSD Library; Student Suspended - San Diego 6
SAN DIEGO - The discovery of a noose found hanging in the UC San Diego library prompted police Friday to open a hate-crime investigation and outraged students to storm the chancellor's office.

Authorities received reports about 10:30 p.m. Thursday about the rope noose suspended from a light fixture on the seventh floor of the Geisel Library, according to a bulletin released by the UCSD Police Department.

No one reported seeing the noose being placed in the area, which is next to an aisle and west-facing windows, officials said. This morning, however, a student came forward and admitted that she had put the knotted rope in the library, campus spokesman Rex Graham said.

There was no immediate word on whether she had been arrested, though the incident was being investigated as a hate crime and an act committed "with intent to terrorize," Graham said.

At an afternoon news conference, UCSD Chancellor Marye Anne Fox said the student has been suspended.

"We will not tolerate hate on our campus, and all criminal acts will be punished,"