NORTHAMPTON -- An investigation into an alleged instance of racial profiling at Smith College this summer found no evidence of discrimination, according to documents the college released Monday.

Despite the fact that the investigation found no evidence of bias, the school says it will try to make "enhancements to its staff trainings to address concerns about the influence of implicit bias in this area."

"The report's findings are important in two respects. First, they provide a foundation for potential reconciliation and healing for those involved," Smith College President Kathleen McCartney said in a statement. "Second, they include recommendations about Smith's future, a future in which we recommit to ensuring that every member of our community feels welcome and valued."

The report comes in response to a July 31 incident in which a Smith employee called campus security to report a person who was in an area of a building that was closed for the day. The officer who responded found the subject of the call to be Oumou Kanoute, a black student who had been eating lunch.

The incident gained national and international press coverage after Kanoute, who was working with one of the college's summer programs, wrote a series of social media posts about her experience. She was interviewed by CNN, The Boston Globe, and CBS.

The documents the college released Monday were produced during an investigation civil rights attorneys Anthony Cruthird and Kate Upatham.

The attorneys, from the Sanghavi Law Office -- which specializes in discrimination and civil rights -- interviewed 11 people and reviewed social media posts, statements made to media outlets, as well as college policies and other documents.

"The Investigative Team did not find sufficient information to show that this decision was based on the Reported Party's race or color, or violated the Policy," said the 35-page report, referring to Smith College's affirmative action policy.

The investigators found employees were concerned that a person was in a house that was typically unoccupied during that time.



The report also said neither the caller nor campus dispatch mentioned Kanoute's race during the call.

The employee who called security was subsequently placed on administrative leave.

According to statements on the school's website, administrators do not "anticipate pursuing any adverse employment action in connection" with the incident. It is unclear whether he has been taken off of leave.

In the meantime, the now 20-year-old student also garnered representation by the American Civil Liberties Union, which vowed to pursue litigation against Smith if policy adjustments were not made.

Among the investigators' recommendations were: "consider ways to facilitate reporter focus on behaviors, rather than persons, reported as 'suspicious,'" and for the college to "consider developing protocols for staff for responding to unanticipated

encounters with individuals in buildings, rooms, or other locations on campus."

McCartney said the recommendations are "closely aligned with suggestions we have received from the student."

"I want to assure you that the college will pursue these recommendations; in fact, relevant departments on campus have already begun to design and implement new procedures," she said.

McCartney's statement said the college would hold an informal discussion at the Helen Hills Hills Chapel early Monday afternoon.