U of I student group calls noose incident racist, unwelcome

Posted on September 4, 2019
U of I residence staff reported a noose hanging inside an elevator at Allen Hall early Sunday. (Photo courtesy University of Illinois Housing)

 

By Neil Doyle

URBANA – A University of Illinois student organization is calling for an extensive and open investigation after a man from Normal was arrested for hanging a noose on campus.

Andrew Smith, 19, faces charges for misdemeanor disorderly conduct and committing a hate crime, which is a felony, according to U of I police.

The Illinois Student Government released a statement on social media that said acts of hate and intolerance like this one, are unacceptable and shall not be taken lightly.

The group said it stands in solidarity with Black Students for Revolution and Black United Front in their demands to the university.  Those include an immediate dismissal of the student(s) responsible for at least two years and a review of school polices concerning racial injustice.

U of I police said the incident is still under investigation. Smith is scheduled to appear for a pretrial conference in Champaign County court Oct. 22.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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