Oregon Public Broadcasting

A cut-out of Barack Obama was found early Tuesday morning hanging from a tree on the campus of George Fox University in Newberg.

Written on the likeness was the phrase “Act Six Reject.” The cut-out was immediately removed.

“Act Six” is a program aimed at providing opportunities for low-income and minority students at the University. Students in the program are chosen for their leadership skills and receive full scholarships.

Joel Perez is the Dean of Transitions and Inclusion at George Fox.

He told OPB's Think Out Loud that the University is taking this race-motivated incident very seriously.

Joel Perez: "I think what we’re gonna intend to do is take hard stances as an institution because we are obviously not happy with students or others connected to the university  who felt like they wanted to do something like this. And we’re gonna address it in our chapel service this morning and then as well as provide some forums upcoming for students to share their views and share how they are feeling."

Perez says “Act Six” students receive training for dealing with uncomfortable situations and conversations that could occur on campus. But he also says this incident falls well outside training provided.

The President of George Fox is scheduled to address the University Wednesday morning.