Stanford University is investigating reports of a noose found hanging from a tree near a campus residence hall, NBC Bay Area reports.

Counselors for a Stanford summer program said they saw the noose near their building Friday night and called the Stanford Department of Public Safety, the outlet reports. When deputies reached the scene, they found a white rope tied around a branch.

The noose has since been removed.

Stanford said in a statement on Tuesday "it is investigating the noose as a suspicious circumstance, but if additional evidence comes to light, it may be reclassified as a hate crime," according to CNN.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We feel it is important to state that a noose is recognized as a symbol of violence and racism directed against African American peoples. Such a symbol has no place on our campus,” the statement said.

Incidents targeting students of color, as well as different religions and sexualities, are increasing in frequency on college campuses, according to a report released earlier this year.