CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- UNC Charlotte officials have released a statement after a photo of a noose on campus began circulating on social media. 

In the statement, the university says: University officials were notified today of what appeared to be noosed figures hanging from a tree outside of the Rowe Arts Building. After investigation by the Department of Police and Public Safety, it was determined to be an art project submitted by a student of color for an end-of-semester assignment. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the project was motivated by racial bias. It was not a response to the Student Government Association’s Silent Sam letter, as has been reported in some media outlets. The representation of a figure being lynched is hurtful, threatening, and offensive. The project was immediately removed."

The photo in question was posted on Twitter earlier this week.