Law enforcement authorities at the University of Michigan are investigating the discovery Thursday of a noose at University Hospital.

In a message to faculty and staff, Marschall Runge, dean of the University of Michigan Medical School, executive vice president for Medical Affairs and CEO of Michigan Medicine, said the "symbol of hate and discrimination" was found at the workstation of two employees.

"We have taken immediate action to have this investigated as both an act of discrimination and a criminal act of ethnic intimidation," Runge said. "This act of hate violates all of the values that we hold dear and will not be tolerated."

Heather Young, public information officer for the university's Division of Public Safety and Security, said an employee found the noose at 11:25 a.m. on a desk in a staff area at the hospital.

"There (are) some leads that we have" in the investigation, she said Friday night. No further details were released.

More:Detroit woman who lost job after reporting noose returns to work

Ian Demsky, a spokesman for the health system, provided Runge's statement to the Free Press but declined to answer any questions, citing the ongoing investigation.

Runge asked anyone with information to contact Security at 734-936-7890 or dpss-safety-security@umich.edu, or Compliance at 866-990-0111 or compliance-group@med.umich.edu.

"This incident impacts our entire community, and we stand strong as we make it clear to all that this organization — its leaders, faculty, staff and learners — fiercely value and defend equality, inclusiveness, respect and dignity for all, and the elimination of discrimination," Runge said.

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Contact Ann Zaniewski: 313-222-6594 or azaniewski@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @AnnZaniewski.