The noose. It’s a tangible symbol of hatred, empowerment and racism. Since its original inception, it has appeared throughout history — it was there in Salem, Mass. when men and women were convicted of witchcraft; white slave owners used it to punish their black slaves; and, more recently, it has become an element of Ku Klux Klan ritual.

But this isn’t a symbol that died with time. It’s made an appearance at universities around the country, such as Columbia, Maryland, UNC-Charlotte and, as of 11 days ago, it arrived not so far from home.

The noose found hanging in one of the bathroom stalls of Sullivan Shops triggered an official investigation and responses from Chancellor James Oblinger, Vice Provost of Diversity and African American Affairs Jose Picart, among others. It has spurred debate within the campus community and has served to bring to light the national issue of hate crimes. It even populated local media outlets such as the News & Observer and the Nubian Message.

The following is a compilation of quotes from various sources:

Technician

“Noose discovered in campus bathroom”Saja Hindi, News Editor

“We’re taking it seriously and it is being investigated,” [Keith Nichols, director of News Services] said. […]

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“There are nooses popping up all over the nation [after the Jena 6] … We shouldn’t have to go back and think about what kind of response to make,” [Christina Cox, a senior in biological sciences and president of the Society of African American Culture] said. “It’s been happening all over the country.” […]

According to Cox, a prank like this cannot be tolerated because it is hurtful and offensive.

“My biggest concern is that this incident will be looked at as a joke and not taken as seriously as the situation warrants,” she said.

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“Organizations dissatisfied with University response”Chris Allred, Assistant News Editor

“African Americans should be angrier,” [Candace] Lee [a junior in computer and electrical engineering] said. “We will not tolerate hate crimes toward anyone on this campus, ever.”

The administration needs to set repercussions for the person who made the noose, and it should not be treated like a normal crime alert, according to Meshawn Chalmers, vice president of Society of African American Cultures and junior in psychology and Africana studies.

“The chancellor should issue another statement,” Chalmers said.

The original e-mail sent to react to the incident, she said, did not have any emotion or a strong enough message that this sort of incident will not be tolerated. […]

“When you don’t take full recognition [of the issue’s seriousness], it angers a lot of people in the African-American community,” she said.

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The materials used to make the noose were less important than its possible message, [Candace] Lee, [a junior in computer and electrical engineering], said.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s tissue or a rope, if it’s a noose,” she said.

“University response to noose hanging unacceptable”Robert Waldrup, Guest Columnist

It’s ironic that after the University “celebrates” the 50th anniversary of the first black undergraduates admitted into N.C. State, one school year later we are faced with the reality that racially, things have not changed much in 50 years.

The discovery of a noose on this campus last week, and the subsequent response, has brought the validity of this claim to light. The weak and reckless response by Chancellor James Oblinger shows an unacceptable tolerance for an act that is nothing short of domestic terrorism. To even suggest the noose may have been intended as a prank is a foolish statement from a man obviously ignorant or indifferent to the true nature of the noose. […]

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In a language that voices itself loud and clear, it speaks this chilling message: “Know your role, or find yourself on the end of this rope!”

News & Observer

“Noose angers students”Kristin Collins, Staff Writer

Some said they see the noose as a sign that open racism is making a comeback. They said it was insignificant that the noose was made of toilet paper, rather than rope, or that it was found in a building used only by the staff.

“Yesterday, Sullivan Shops. Tomorrow, Poe Hall, if we sit by and say nothing,” said senior Robert Waldrup, referring to the class building where the meeting was held. “We need to keep someone from hanging from the other end of that noose.”

Junior Candace Lee gave a brief history of the noose and passed one through the crowd of about 75. She said the noose is a reminder of a time, less than 100 years ago, when blacks who spoke out were routinely lynched.

“We won’t tolerate nooses”Ruth Sheehan, Staff Writer

There is nothing funny about this old racist symbol. Nothing cute. Nothing clever.

In small ways and large, this is a time for the community to make that clear. In individual conversations, in water fountain chats and in community gatherings, we need to reiterate that racism is not tolerated here in any form. There is no audience here for a noose of any sort, even a pathetic one made of toilet paper.

That is not what we’re about.

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In Raleigh, the symbol of the noose might be powerful, but it is tissue-thin in the face of a community that will not allow it to hold sway.

The Nubian Message“Too close to home” by Adrianna N. Harrell, News Writer

[During a Society of Afrikan American Culture meeting, a] tense and angry silence filled the room as SAAC members passed around an evidence bag containing the actual noose that was found. Niccoya Dobson, the liaison for the African American Student Advisory Council and a senior in communication expressed that “we should show more passion. It is not just up to the administration, but also to the students to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”