Students who put noose on black teddy bear identified

RALEIGH, N.C. – Authorities have identified four students who they say hung a black teddy bear from a noose at a North Carolina high school.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reports Wake County schools spokeswoman Lisa Luten said an investigation revealed that the students hung both the teddy bear, which was dressed as Santa Claus, and a sign saying "Make Wakefield Tripp again #smartlunch" from the roof at Wakefield High School in Raleigh.

Students and parents said the sign referred to former principal Tripp Crayton, who is white. Current principal Malik Bazzell, who is black, replaced Crayton in 2015.

Luten said the school resource officer from the Raleigh Police Department is investigating whether criminal charges will be filed. In addition, the school's football stadium and baseball field were vandalized.

___

Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com