May 04, 2015 10:04 AM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Duke University student who came forward and took responsibility for a noose hung on campus last month published an open letter explaining the action as one of ignorance, not racism.

Duke posted the open letter to its website in a release that also stated the school's investigation into the noose found hanging outside the Bryan Center Plaza on April 1 "was a result of ignorance and bad judgment." The school chose not to identify the student, only revealing his or her status as an undergraduate.

Duke's police department concluded their investigation as well and the student has gone through the disciplinary process. The school said the student is eligible to return to campus next semester.

"Unfortunately, through my lack of cultural awareness and joking personality, I ended up unintentionally creating a huge mess for myself, my friends, my family and many members of the Duke community that I severely regret," the student wrote in the open letter. "I am the student who created the noose and after playing around with it left it hanging on a low tree branch next to a table where I had been sitting with some of my friends. At the time, I truly did not appreciate the historical sensitivity of a noose hanging in a tree."

According to the Associated Press, the student came forward the day after the noose was first discovered. Though the noose was taken down swiftly, multiple students took pictures of it and caught national attention. Duke students responded to the incident in rallies and other public displays of protest.

"Once I realized the historical connotations, I contacted the Administration, and explained that I never had any racist intent - which anyone who knows me could testify to. I apologized and co-operated in every which way I could," the student wrote. "Those who know me, know that there is nothing farther from me than racism. Once again I am very sorry that such an event took place and I hope the school I love and all the students that have been so kind to me will allow us all to move forward together. I will continue to undertake further learning on my side so such an event may never be repeated as a result of an action on my behalf."

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