CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Austin Peay State University (APSU) has concluded an investigation regarding the discovery of a display of nooses on campus.

According to a release from the university, campus police received complaints from several individuals Monday around 5 p.m. The individuals reported seeing six nooses on display near the Trahern building.

Each of the nooses was a different color, which collectively appeared to be organized in the colors of a rainbow.

Upon finding the nooses, Austin Peay police removed them out of concern of hate symbolism and its potential impact to the campus. The University is investigating the matter.

“This incident is deeply disturbing and is hurtful to our University community,” said Alisa White, University president. “Regardless of the intent, the display has no place on our campus. I am saddened, and I am sorry for the hurt and offense this has caused and want our students, faculty, and staff to know that it will not be tolerated.”

University officials have investigated the incident and found that it was an artist’s display as part of an introductory course that focuses on yarn as a medium for creation of art works.

The FBI interviewed the student responsible for the display and the professor in charge of the course.

The FBI presented their findings to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which said that after its initial review, it was taking no further action.

The final display had not been reviewed or approved by the instructor, nor was an artist’s statement provided to explain the artwork’s purpose.

The University hosted an open forum on Tuesday afternoon with the campus community. During the forum, APSU President Alisa White and APSU Chief Diversity Officer David Davenport addressed comments and concerns from APSU students, faculty, staff and local community members.

The student told officials that there was no intent for any statement regarding or representation of the LGBQT community or racially-related social issues.

“My intention with my sculpture project was to address the cycle of death and rebirth that is represented by the arrival of spring. I had no social or political statements in mind,” the student said in a statement. “I did not take into consideration that nooses are a racially charged symbol, for that I am sorry. I can not apologize enough for the pain that my art work has caused, it was certainly not my intention. I am thankful that APSU Campus Police removed the art work when it was clear that it was causing so much pain.”

Officials said the student was “sincerely concerned about the perception of and reaction to the display” and was apologetic for the issues it caused. Both the student and faculty member were supportive of the removal of the artwork out of concern of it being perceived as a hate symbol.

“This is a lesson for everyone about sensitivity and respect for all people and how inclusive and understanding we need to be as a campus community,” White said.

“While we support the freedom of expression on our campus, we also have to keep in mind that there are symbols that have very specific and negative meanings to everyone, especially if context is not provided. Therefore the artwork was inappropriate and had to be removed for the safety of our campus. I am deeply sorry for the impact this has had on our campus community and we will learn from this and ensure something like this does not happen again.”