Emory University faculty recently gathered on campus to address concerns regarding the violent arrests that occurred on Thursday. Tenured professors are calling for the resignation of the university's president, Gregory Fenves, due to the decision to involve state and local police in dispersing the protesters.
During the gathering, Philosophy Professor Dilek Huseyinzadegan recounted a distressing incident where a police officer allegedly aimed a 'machine gun' at her head and threatened her with arrest while she was assisting a student in contacting her mother. Huseyinzadegan expressed feeling unsafe and uncertain about returning to campus for the remainder of the year.
Noelle McAfee, the Philosophy Department Chair, also addressed the crowd and received a lengthy ovation. McAfee was one of the individuals detained during the protest advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. Despite being released on the scene with a citation and no charges, McAfee highlighted her role as an observer of law enforcement actions during the protest.
McAfee emphasized the faculty's commitment to supporting students and ensuring their growth and well-being. The faculty plans to present a motion to the entire Emory College of Arts and Sciences faculty for electronic voting next week, reflecting their solidarity with the student body and their dedication to fostering a conducive learning environment.
