Three individuals have been identified in connection with the placing of a noose that was draped over a fence surrounding Sherwood High School’s tennis courts on Sept. 9.
The incident was reported to the Montgomery County Police Department as well as Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Office of Systemwide Safety.
According to Principal Timothy Britton in a letter to high school families, a review of school security footage led them to three people, who were identified and interviewed.
“While our investigation determined that the individuals involved did not intend to communicate a racist or anti-Black message, the impact of such imagery is deeply harmful and cannot be understated,” Britton wrote, adding the school was “treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.”
In a follow up letter, Britton and Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor wrote, “It is important to acknowledge that our communication did not adequately address the significance of this incident and the pain that this symbol caused within our community, particularly among our Black students, families and staff.”
They added, “A noose is a symbol rooted in the painful and violent history of racism in the United States, specifically directed at Black individuals. The sight of a noose can easily bring forth feelings of fear, anger and trauma, as it represents the horrific legacy of racial violence that Black Americans have faced for generations. As a community that values inclusion, respect and the safety of all students, any symbol of hate should be met with immediate denouncement.”
Sherwood High staff is providing opportunities for students to discuss the incident and the school’s response, the two men wrote.
The school’s counseling team, social worker, school psychologist and restorative team are available to students so they can have a safe space to talk about it, according to the letter.
The names of those involved were not mentioned, but Britton wrote, “We are now in the process of determining appropriate consequences.”
