FHC Families,

I am writing to let you know of a disturbing discovery that is impacting our community. Last evening, administrators were informed that a parent found a noose hanging from a stall in the men’s restroom near the concession stand at Spartan stadium. While there were no words or notes to accompany the noose, we are partnering with law enforcement to investigate this as a potential hate crime.  

A noose is a powerful symbol of hate and racially motivated violence; such a symbol has no business in our schools or facilities. We want you to know that this behavior will not be tolerated, and we are actively working to identify the individual or individuals responsible. These are the steps we have taken or will be taking:

• Notifying law enforcement
• Reviewing security camera footage from the area
• Interviewing students and coaches who were on campus at the time
• Reaching out to parents, players and others who may have witnessed the noose to offer support
• Reiterating our conduct expectations with the entire student body when they return next week
• Continuing our efforts to ensure Howell Central remains a welcoming and inclusive learning environment
• Connecting students with counseling and other supports necessary to process this incident

I recognize the emotional impact this news may have on many of our students and staff - particularly our students of color. To them I say: I see you, you belong here, and you make our community better. This isn’t right, and it doesn’t represent who we are as a school community. 

You have my commitment that we will exercise our authority, in partnership with law enforcement, to stop such racially hateful conduct by holding those responsible for such behavior under our Student Code of Conduct and applicable hate crime laws. 

If you have any information about this incident that might aid our investigation, please reach out to me directly at suzanne.leake@fhsdschools.org or to the Cottleville Police Department at (636) 939-9966. Anonymous reports can be made via Courage2Report.

Thank you,

Dr. Suzanne M. Leake

Principal