KKK-style hood found on statue at UC San Diego in third racist incident at school in 3 weeks

KKK-style hood found on UC San Diego campus

SAN DIEGO — University of California San Diego police are investigating the third incident targeting black students at the school in as many weeks — a KKK-style hood placed on a statue outside the main campus library.

The other incidents were a noose in the same library, and a “Compton Cookout” party that mocked Black History month.

A UC San Diego statement says the hood was found late Monday. It appeared to be a white pillowcase that was crudely fashioned into a hood with a hand-drawn symbol. A rose also was inserted in the statue’s fingers.

The university said an aggressive investigation is under way, including fingerprint and DNA analysis, and vowed to punish the culprits to the fullest extent of the law.

On Tuesday, about 200 students rallied at UCLA to protest what they say is an intolerant atmosphere at University of California campuses.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — About 200 students have rallied at UCLA to protest recent racially tinged incidents and what they say is an intolerant atmosphere at University of California campuses.

Students chanted “We want diversity for university” during the rally Tuesday.

It follows an off-campus “Compton Cookout” party last month by UC San Diego students that used ghetto stereotypes. Students also protested there last week after a noose was found in the library. This week, officials at UC Santa Cruz found an image of a noose scribbled on the inside of a bathroom door.

A rally organizer, Joelle Gamble, says students of color are tired of seeing injustices dealt with lightly because they fall under “free speech.”