Probe:Teachers noose in photo unaware of race implications

PALMDALE, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California school district investigation says four first-grade teachers photographed with a noose say they were using it to make end-of-year jokes and were unaware of its association with racial hatred toward African Americans.

The Antelope Valley Press says the investigative report was received by the Palmdale School District board during closed session Friday.

The photo was taken May 1 by the principal of Summerwind Elementary School and shows a teacher holding the noose as others smile.

The photo eventually became public, triggering community anger.

The noose was discovered while an unused classroom was being cleaned.

The report says the teachers began making such jokes as “hang in there until summer” and “we’ve reached the end of our rope.”

A district spokesman says there will be accountability.

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Information from: Antelope Valley Press, http://www.avpress.com