University of Wisconsin Bans Nooses at Games

The University of Wisconsin is instituting a ban on nooses and ropes at athletic events, following an incident in which an individual wore a mask of President Obama with a noose around the neck to a football game last month. The university said in a statement that these items are considered “a threat to safety.” The individual wearing the mask was asked to take the rope off of the neck, but was later seen with it back on. “I am very pleased that we all were able to work together to improve our policies,” said athletic director Barry Alvarez. “It is great to be able to talk, and even more satisfying that we took action.” The fan wearing the mask and noose was not removed from the game out of consideration for freedom of speech.