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Some question university's response to questionable costume

Posted at 10:34 AM, Nov 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-01 11:34:07-04

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Some people are questioning whether the University of Wisconsin properly handled an incident in which a fan displayed a costume that some considered offensive during a weekend football game against Nebraska.

The fan wore a President Barack Obama mask and a noose around his neck. The fan took off the noose when asked by Camp Randall Stadium staff.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports that some Wisconsin students and others are questioning why the fan wasn't removed from the game.

Chancellor Rebecca Blank says that once the noose was removed, the rest of the costume fell within the stadium's costume policies.

The school said the costume, "while repugnant and counter to the values of the university and athletic department, was an exercise of the individual's right to free speech."