A disturbing hate crime has been reported at Aberdeen High School, where a noose was discovered in a classroom on Friday morning.
According to Aberdeen Police, a teacher found the noose, fashioned from a piece of rope, tied to their whiteboard upon returning to their classroom after a few days away. Alongside the noose, three messages were written on the whiteboard, seemingly by three different individuals.
In response to the incident, a statement was shared with the families of students attending Aberdeen High School. The statement expressed deep sadness and disgust at the presence of the noose and the racially motivated statement written on the whiteboard. The school administration assured families that a thorough investigation is underway and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
The Aberdeen Police Department has initiated an investigation into the incident. Sergeant Jason Neidig of the Aberdeen Police Department commented that the case is being treated as suspicious, with indications pointing to a hate crime. Neidig noted that it is unclear whether the act was intentional or a misguided joke, but emphasized that such actions are no laughing matter.
Expressing his dismay at the “disgusting” act, Neidig remarked that he was appalled that something like this could happen in Aberdeen. Donoven Brooks, Chief of Safety and Security for Howard County Public Schools, described the incident as both “saddening” and “disturbing.”
As the investigation continues, updates will be provided on this developing story.