University of Delaware (UD) officials said Wednesday morning that the objects found hanging from a tree on campus were not nooses, but lanterns. The university said there was no evidence of a hate crime, as first suspected.

UD President Nancy M. Targett released a statement detailing the findings of a university investigation, in which she claims the hanging objects were remnants of lanterns used for a past school event.

"Thanks to tips from students who responded to our earlier call for information and the investigative work of University of Delaware Police, it has been determined that the three noose-like items found outside Mitchell Hall were not instruments of a hate crime, but the remnants of paper lanterns from an event previously held on The Green," read the statement.

According to The News Journal, the university initially claimed the event was held in September, but later stated it was from an alumni event in June.

UD Police Chief Patrick Ogden backed these claims.

The incident started when a student contacted the police to report noose-like objects hanging from a tree near UD's Mitchell Hall. While Ogden admitted he thought the objects did resemble nooses, he said, once the alert went out and the hate crime investigation was underway, several students came forward with claims that the objects had been there for weeks.

Some students were skeptical of the university's findings and alleged that the university may have wanted to cover up a potential hate crime.

Keith James, president of the campus community group Voice 4 the Voiceless, accused the school of attempting to avoid outrage and controversy.

"I just believe UD doesn't want an uproar on campus," James said.

While school officials believe the objects are not cause for alarm, UD says the incident revealed the need for further discourse on issues of hate and prejudice.

"The sensitivity of our campus to this potential issue clearly indicates a need for continuing dialog within our community. I continue to encourage everyone to join me at the gathering scheduled at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon on The Green," Targett's statement read.