Nooses are found hanging from a tree on a Tri-State university campus.
Authorities say the nooses were discovered on Miami University's campus Tuesday.
MU freshman, Dan DeRubbo, was walking back to his dorm room when he passed a tree near the corner of Patterson and Western Drive on campus.
"I noticed there was a tire swinging from the tree and a noose above it," said DeRubbo.
DeRubbo kept walking, but other students saw it and called campus police to complain.
The university says three students had hung the nooses and a tire as part of a class project to show the difference between life and death.
Investigators say the students told them the nooses represented death and the tire symbolized life and young children.
"Even with art, there is a boundary that you have to stay within and you can't overstep that boundary, especially with our past," said MU sophomore, Dan Morris.
Word quickly spread about the incident after Miami University President David Hodge sent a campus wide e-mail explaining what happened.
The majority of students thought it was insensitive, especially in light of the controversial Jena 6 case in Louisiana.
"I do not think that was right. I don't think people should have the right to hang nooses in trees, even though if it was an art project. It still crosses the line," said MU Sophomore, Anthony DiMuccio.
"Especially on a campus that's dominated by white people and it's only a few black people," said Nick Winbush, a MU Freshman and basketball player. "It's probably only three-percent black people. I don't think it's acceptable."
"I feel really disappointed because I'm a minority here, also, and this action shouldn't be on campus," said Weiying Wang, who is from China.
The university removed the noose and tire saying the display was insensitive.
"They also have to evaluate their displays in light of community sensitivities and I think what will come out of this are important discussions that we should have," said Jeffrey Herbst, Miami University Provost and Executive Vice-President.
The university is investigating and is interviewing the students and the professor.
Miami University campus police say the students could face several charges including inducing panic, ethnic intimidation and disorderly conduct.
In the meantime, administrators say they will use this incident discuss race with students.
