Allina psychologist weighs in on St. Olaf racist note hoax

[WCCO-TV, May 11, 2017] The St. Olaf College campus is still reeling from a reported racist note that turned out to be a hoax. An African-American female student reported finding a note on her car that was threatening and used a racial slur in late April. The note sparked protests on campus and a call to action from students to the school’s president.

On Wednesday, the school’s president said a student, whom he cannot identify because of privacy laws, admitted to writing the note to “bring attention to the campus climate.” The note was the seventh of its kind to be reported on the Northfield campus. The school reports other notes are still being investigated.

Allina Health Clinics psychologist Dr. Cheryl Bemel says she hopes the school community will continue to focus on moving forward in a spirit of unity.