Stanford University investigates a noose found in a campus tree as a hate crime

Stanford University said it found a noose hanging from a tree outside a residence hall and is investigating the incident as a hate crime. In an email to students and staff, university officials said campus safety authorities immediately "removed the noose and retained it as evidence" after receiving a report late on May 8 that a noose was seen outside an undergraduate residence hall. (Jeff Chiu / AP)

Stanford University officials say an investigation is underway after a noose was discovered this week hanging from a tree outside a residence hall.

In an email sent to students and campus staff, university officials say the noose was found Sunday evening hanging from a tree near Branner Hall, one of the undergraduate residence halls.