HEBRON, Conn. (WTNH) — The NAACP will investigate after a noose was found hanging in the boy’s locker room at RHAM High School in Hebron on Friday.

During a press conference on Tuesday, NAACP President Scot X. Esdaile described the incident as a hate crime, noting that the organization takes this very seriously, as nooses go way back in American history. Esdaile said that the NAACP will “not tolerate this behavior being brushed under the rug” and will not allow the principal nor superintendent to take it lightly.

Esdaile reiterated the importance of stopping these problems before they become bigger ones, noting that these racist incidents occur across the country and it is “not a prank.”

Leah Ralls, President of the NAACP in Windham, echoed these statements and said the NAACP expects law enforcement to pursue a conviction in this case. Ralls said she is tired of hearing this is “child’s play,” as this is a “serious, life-threatening episode.” As of right now, she said the administration is “blowing it off” by continuing school as planned.

“We are done dying and we are tired of this hate spewed towards us due to the color of our skin,” Ralls said.

The NAACP called on law enforcement to find the person responsible for hanging the noose and plans to have a discussion with the superintendent on how to move forward. At this point, Ralls said no one at the school – including staff members – is being excluded from this investigation.

“For centuries, it’s been going on in the United States,” Esdaile said. “We won’t tolerate it.”

RHAM Superintendent Colin McNamara said that anyone involved in the matter will be held responsible and the school will work with organizations to ensure an inclusive environment.

“As a school district, we do not and will not tolerate harassment or any other inappropriate conduct towards any of our students,” McNamara said. “That sort of behavior has no place in the school setting.”

On Friday, police said a staff member at RHAM found the noose.

Connecticut State Police are investigating what could have happened, and so far, there are no clues to indicate who hung the noose. Troopers stated they are working closely with school officials to get to the bottom of the situation.

The NAACP met with McNamara on Tuesday. They said they plan to meet again next week to ensure action is being taken and a plan is being made to make sure this is addressed.