A noose was discovered hanging from a tree on Duke University's campus Wednesday morning.

The noose has been removed but not before pictures were taken and shared on social media pages, USAToday reports.

A photo of the noose was posted on the Tumblr site for the group People of Color Caucus along with the following statement, the Washington Post reports:

"To all black students, staff, faculty, and/or Durhamites on campus and in the area: Please take care of yourselves and each other. This campus is not a safe space, and has proven beyond any doubt that it is a hostile environment for any and all black people." 

Duke's Vice President of Student Affairs Larry Moneta said the act was "hateful and stupid" in an e-mail delivered to students Wednesday morning.

"I can't begin to describe the disgust and anger I felt, and still feel," Moneta wrote. "Though it has since been removed, the photos are everywhere and its hateful message will sadly pervade and persist for a long time."

Moneta said Duke will provide students with the support needed to get through the event. Moneta hopes that the "cowardly act of bias" would encourage students to support each other.

The noose discovery Wednesday morning comes two weeks after a black female student said a group of white males chanted a racist song at her. That incident resulted in an e-mail sent by president Richard Brodhead and Provost Sally Kornbluth to remind students that Duke has a commitment to racial equality.

Brodhead and Kornbluth sent a similar e-mail Wednesday disappointed in the act. They announced that a public forum to discuss the incident will be held at 5:00 p.m. on the steps of the Duke Chapel.

"We deplore these actions in the strongest possible terms," they wrote. "Today we ask you to help us demonstrate to our African-American students, faculty and staff, and indeed the world, our solidarity and unity in the face of cowardly acts of hatred." 

Members of Duke's student government also spoke against the incident.

The current student government president Lavanya Sunder and president-elect Keizra Mecklai released a statement asking the school to stand up against prejudice on campus.

"Unfortunately, what happened last night is indicative of a pervasive problem of prejudice, bias and racism on this campus," they wrote. "The Duke community cannot allow this culture of intolerance to exist any longer." 

Moneta says an investigation is underway to see who is responsible for hanging the noose from the tree. He says anyone found responsible will be held accountable for their actions. Moneta has asked for students with any information on the incident to come forward.