May 11, 2017 5:16 PM By Nina Moini

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The St. Olaf College campus is still reeling from a reported racist note that turned out to be a hoax. …

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

“Any type of false accusation is a lightning rod,” Bemel said. “We can’t forget that there are very likely some pretty deep emotional wounds that would lead to this kind of a behavior.”

While Bemel does not know the student who fabricated the note, she says hoaxes happen for a variety of reasons depending on the individual.

“It’s very difficult to feel isolated and unheard and not as visible,” Bemel said.

What is certain, Bemel says, is an opportunity for growth moving forward as a campus.

“It can lead to more discord or it can lead to some healing,” Bemel said. “It depends on how the institution and the community deal with the issue.”

St. Olaf President David Anderson has said he is committed to continuing conversations about race and campus climate.