Emory offers counseling for students after pro-Trump chalkings

ATLANTA - More chalk messages in support of the presidential campaign of Donald Trump turned up on the campus of Emory University Thursday, as students on both sides of the issues debated the impact of the messages.

Someone wrote “Trump 2006” on a sidewalk on the campus Thursday morning, the latest in a series of chalk writings supporting the Republican frontrunner in recent days.

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Some students don’t think the messages are a big deal, but other students complain they’re messages of intimidation.

A lot of the drawings which first turned up last weekend have faded, but the controversy has not gone away.

On Thursday, students debated the impact of the messages, with some upset with the pro-Trump writings but others who believe the markings are simply a matter of free speech.

Student Emily Ripley who was upset by the chalkings said, “The political support he (Trump) has for the candidacy of president is striking and terrifying in a lot of ways because of the rhetoric for hate and speech against certain minority groups.”

Another student, Sophia Weinstein, said, “I lot of people could be very offended by what he says, and I feel like the campus should recognize that. But I also feel like people have the right to have their own opinion.”

Some students complained one of the writings said, “Build the wall”.

The latest drawing follows a Tuesday meeting by 40 to 50 students and Emory’s President, Dr. Jim Wagner.

In a statement issued to FOX 5 News on Wednesday night, Dr. Wagner wrote “The students shared with me their concern that these messages were meant to intimidate rather than merely to advocate for a particular candidate, having appeared outside of the context of a Georgia election or campus campaign activity. During our conversation, they voiced their genuine concern and pain in the face of this perceived intimidation.”

Junior Josh Goodman, who is a member of the group Emory College Republicans, believes the university president didn’t handle the unexpected chalkings properly.

Goodman said, “He (Wagner) conceded to the protestors and I felt he legitimized their claims, which I don't think he should have done. I think he should have stood for the first amendment.”

In his statement, Dr. Wagner said, “After meeting with our students, I cannot dismiss their expression of feelings and concern as motivated only by political preference or over-sensitivity. Instead, the students with whom I spoke heard a message, not about political process or candidate choice, but instead about values regarding diversity and respect that clash with Emory's own.”

“As an academic community, we must value and encourage the expression of ideas, vigorous debate, speech, dissent, and protest. At the same time, our commitment to respect, civility, and inclusion calls us to provide a safe environment that inspires and supports courageous inquiry. It is important that we recognize, listen to, and honor the concerns of these students, as well as faculty and staff who may feel similarly.”

FOX 5’s Aungelique Proctor reported, Emory students who met with President Wagner says the president told them any writings on campus buildings were illegal and could be grounds for prosecution.

Representatives of Emory’s College Council and Student Government Association also issued a statement after the meeting, indicating students who were upset would be able to attend counseling.

The statement stated “In the joint email sent on behalf of CC and SGA, representatives wrote that they “remain unapologetically dedicated to inclusion, diversity and equity,” and that both institutions will stand in solidarity with any Emory students who have encountered a lack of safety and support. To provide Emory students an opportunity to discuss such support and inclusivity on Emory’s campus, SGA will hold office hours on Thursday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and CC will hold office hours on Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.”

One student held a sign in the middle of Asbury Circle Thursday, satirically claiming chalk intimidates and can even kill.