ICYMI: American University Student Body President Receives Online Threats

WASHINGTON, DC — The president of American University's student body has received online threats after Monday's discovery of bananas hanging from string nooses around the Northwest DC campus, according to reports.

On Monday, the university said in a statement that bananas were "hanging from string in the shape of nooses ... in three places on campus, and were marked with the letters AKA," which may refer to the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, which is predominantly made up of African-American women.

Photos circulated on social media on Monday morning, the university said.

The student body president, Taylor Dumpson, is the first black woman to hold the position of president. The Anti-Defamation League discovered online threats were made against Dumpson Thursday night.

The threats were posted by someone the university described as a "white supremacist." The poster allegedly asked other online users to "troll" Dumpson, WTOP reports.

See Related: Bananas Hung from Nooses at American University in DC: Report

“AU immediately provided Taylor with a range of supports, including assessing and enhancing her personal security,” Vice President of Communications Terry Flannery said while she co-hosted a Facebook Live event, meant to offer safety tips for students and to inform the campus about the threat.

Police were sent to Dumpon's home to provide her and her family with additional security. American University is also adding additional DC police officers to patrol graduation next week to make sure everything runs safely.

"These racist, hateful messages have no place in our community," the statement adds. "The safety of our students is paramount. The American University Department of Public Safety is investigating. Anyone with information to share about this incident is encouraged to go to the AUPD TIPS site or call 202.885.2527."

Image via American University