What Happened
On the morning of Monday, November 29 a student reported seeing two long cords that may represent nooses in a tree near the intersection of Campus Drive and Junipero Serra Boulevard, along the Lake Lagunita walking trail.
What Is Being Done
Updated as of 5/10/22
Based on statements from staff and students, and photos showing the scene at Lake Lagunita, it was determined the cords in the tree had been in that location for several years prior to it being reported to DPS. Photos showed the cords in the tree dating back to at least June 2017. Separately, a former student reached out reporting their recollection that a rope swing used to be in that location. DPS closed the case on December 6, 2021, and the incident was not classified as a crime.
Updated as of 11/30/21
A student reported the cords to the Dean of Students Office early this morning. The Office immediately contacted the Stanford University Department of Public Safety (DPS), which promptly investigated the incident with a campus arborist. Based on weathering and tree growth around the cords, it seems that the cords had been attached to the tree for approximately 18-24 months. We cannot be certain whether the ropes were deliberately fashioned in the shape of nooses, or were part of an abandoned swing or rope ladder.
The Dean of Students Office has connected with the student via telephone and email and will continue offering support.
What to Do
- Anyone with additional information is asked to contact DPS at 650.723.9633 or the department’s 24/7 communications center at 650.329.2413.
- If you experience bias or discrimination, please file a Protected Identity Harm report.
