Smith College Suspends Employee Who Called 911 On Black Student

NORTHAMPTON, MA -- Smith College has suspended an employee who called police earlier this week to report that a black woman "seemed to be out of place" at the prestigious women's college. The employee, who was not identified, had called 9-1-1 to ask that police investigate the woman's presence in a campus common room.

The caller did not mention the person's race and seemed uncertain of the person's sex, but it turned out to be a female student, Oumou Kanoute. A stunned and hurt Kanoute later wrote in a Facebook post that she had been reading and eating lunch that day and was surprised that the employee did not approach her directly

"This person didn't try to bring their concerns forward to me, but instead decided to call the police," Kanoute wrote. "I did nothing wrong, I wasn't making any noise or bothering anyone. All I did was be black.

"I was very nervous, and had a complete metldown after this incident," Kanoute continued. "It's just wrong and uncalled for. No students of color should have to explain why they belong at prestigious white institutions. I worked my hardest to get into Smith, and I deserve to feel safe on my campus."

On Thursday, Smith College President Kathleen McCartney issued a public apology.

"I begin by offering the student involved my deepest apology that this incident occurred and to assure her that she belongs in all Smith spaces," McCartney wrote. "This painful incident reminds us of the ongoing legacy of racism and bias in which people of color are targeted while simply going about the business of their daily lives. It is a powerful reminder that building an inclusive, diverse and sustainable community is urgent and ongoing work."

On Friday, the college released a transcript of the 9-1-1 call and the police response, placed the employee on leave and said it would hire an outside law firm to investigate the incident, the latest

The incident was the latest in a string of incidents involving whites calling police about black people involved in innocent pursuits.