The Queen Anne's County state's attorney office is reviewing charges filed against an 18-year-old Kent Island High School student who allegedly threatened a classmate with a noose.

Bruce L. Settle of Stevensville was charged with racial harassment, second-degree assault and disturbing school operations, according to court records.

The charges filed Saturday stem from a Nov. 6 incident involving Settle, who is white, and a 17-year-old African-American student. The black student told a Queen Anne's County sheriff's deputy that he and Settle had been fighting.

According to a sheriff's office statement, Settle formed a noose with a piece of rope, hung it on a classroom door and asked the victim, "Did you wanna try this on?" Settle was suspended Friday pending a school investigation.

"The Queen Anne's County public school system deplores this event and regrets that it took place," said Fred M. McNeil, a spokesman for the system. "The Queen Anne's County school board members and the superintendent want to make it clear that there is zero tolerance in our school system for this type of activity and it will not be allowed in our schools."

State's Attorney Frank M. Kratovil Jr. is reviewing the charges to determine whether they warrant prosecution, said a spokeswoman.