Four students admit hanging Obama effigy

A Christian university in Newberg said it has punished four students who confessed to hanging a likeness of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama from a tree on campus.

George Fox University said in a statement that the penalties against the four were “immediate long-term suspension and public service.” The school cited federal privacy rules in not disclosing more about the students or their punishment.

The cardboard cutout of Obama was hung from a tree last week with fishing line around the neck.

University spokesman Rob Felton wouldn’t comment on the students’ motive. But he cited a statement from Brad Lau, the university’s vice president of student life.

“Regardless of the students’ intent, the image of a black man hung from a tree is one of the most hurtful symbols of racism in American history,” Lau said. “Displays such as this have no place on a campus that is dedicated to living out the teachings of Jesus.”