Evanston police issued a community alert this week after flyers with a “depiction of a noose” were posted at several locations in the North Suburb. Concern that the flyers were intended to be threatening proved to be incorrect.
On Nov. 3, officers responded to a call of a flyer containing a “depiction of a noose” posted at various locations in Evanston, the city said in a release. It said the department’s initial investigation revealed that the flyer in question was posted to promote an upcoming “art exhibition” highlighting the experiences of Black and other minority creators, and contained a QR code that provided a link to the exhibition’s details.
“These flyers were not posted in an attempt to intimidate or disturb residents; no criminal intent is evident,” said the release.
In May, three nooses were found hanging from a tree at Haven Middle School in Evanston and a student was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, in that incident. A month later in another incident at Nichols Middle School, swastikas and hateful, racist messages were scrawled in school bathrooms.
These flyers come after several waves of anti-Semitic flyers were found along the North Shore throughout 2022 in Wilmette, Northfield, Northbrook, Winnetka and Glencoe as well as the suburbs of Park Ridge, Highland Park, Long Grove and Niles.
The City of Evanston reminds residents that adhering flyers, posters and other signs to public property is prohibited per City ordinance. Community members may call/text 847-448-4311 to report any flyers or materials posted in violation, the Nov. 3 release from the city said.
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Brian L. Cox is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.