RICHMOND, Va.
Police at the University of Richmond are investigating the simulated lynching of a miniature Black doll.
Walter Schoen, chairman of the university’s department of theater and dance, found the doll in a small studio theater on March 6, the day before spring break.
He said the black-faced doll with black woven-wool hair was hanging from a coiled noose with a note beneath it reading: “Art is dead, long live art.”
Schoen described the elf-like character as a Christmas decoration that has been around for about two years. He said the figure had become a good-luck charm.
Schoen said the simulated lynching sent a clear message. He said, “There is no escaping what it stands for.”
University spokesman Brian Eckert said the investigation is continuing.
