An Atlanta police officer dismantles tents during a pro-Palestinian demonstration on the grounds of Emory University. (Photo by Mike Stewart/AP)
May 28, 2024 Story by: Editor
The president of the Atlanta NAACP, Gerald Griggs, is calling for immediate policy changes at Emory University, condemning the recent use of force against peaceful student protesters. Griggs expressed outrage over the militarized response by law enforcement during a First Amendment demonstration on the campus in April.
Emory University’s handling of the protest, which involved Atlanta Police officers and Georgia State Patrol, has drawn strong criticism from Griggs and the local community. Griggs emphasized the need to uphold civil rights and denounced the excessive use of force against demonstrators.
During discussions with Emory University President Gregory Fenves, Griggs voiced concerns about the university’s response to the protest, emphasizing the importance of protecting students’ rights to peaceful assembly. Griggs revealed that there is an ongoing investigation into the involvement of Georgia State Patrol in the incident.
Emory University has pledged to review its protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, dissatisfaction with Fenves’s leadership has prompted a vote of no confidence from both students and faculty at the Emory School of Arts & Sciences. The decision regarding Fenves’s tenure now rests with the board of trustees.
Griggs emphasized the necessity of training for university administrators, prioritizing student voices, and implementing policy changes to prevent the recurrence of such events.
Atlanta News First sought comment from Emory University regarding the meeting between Griggs and Fenves, as well as updates on Fenves’s future at the university, but has yet to receive a response.
