On Monday around 1:20 p.m., Tulane University Police Department officers and security guards evacuated everyone in and outside the Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life after being notified of an abandoned backpack with a note attached, according to a safety notice sent by TUPD at 3:20 p.m.

The backpack was found on the second floor of the LBC. Once it was found, the building was “quickly evacuated,” and after investigating, TUPD officers determined that the backpack did not pose a safety threat.

Pictures and videos posted online show a student walking around campus with a backpack with a piece of paper attached warning students not to attend Tulane. 

The sign stated: “Tulane just got rid of DEI… if you have the means, go elsewhere,” according to photos online.

Officers were seen carrying out the backpack with the sign from the LBC in the direction of TUPD cars lined up on Newcomb Place.

The same student was also seen being taken away in handcuffs by Tulane police officers. The student’s identity is not confirmed, and it is unclear what consequences the student will face.

It is unclear how the backpack was discovered.

This is a developing story and may be updated.