RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A student who left a noose hanging from a tree at Duke University has been disciplined but can return to campus next semester and won't face criminal charges, the university said Friday.
In announcing it finished its investigation, the university also released an open apology letter written by the person responsible, who says the noose was made as a joke and carelessly left behind. The discovery of the noose last month sparked outrage on the school's Durham campus and made headlines across the country.
The letter says the person didn't fully understand its historical connection to lynchings in the South.
"Once I realized the historical connotations, I contacted the Administration, and explained that I never had any racist intent - which anyone who knows me could testify to," the letter states. "I apologized and co-operated in every which way I could."
The university said its investigation determined the noose was left as a result of ignorance and bad judgment. Investigations by law enforcement officials have also concluded.
The undergraduate student, who hasn't been identified, said the noose was part of a poorly conceived joke.
"My purpose in hanging the noose was merely to take some pictures with my friends together with the noose, and then texting it to some others inviting them to come and "hang out' with us - because it was such a nice day outside. If there was ever a pun with unintended consequences - this was certainly one," the letter says.