This browser does not support the Video element.
NAACP wants to meet with Emory University over DEI changes
The Georgia NAACP hopes to change Emory's President's mind about getting rid of DEI programs. The school announced the change last week. The NAACP wants to meet with Emory before the end of the month.
ATLANTA - The Georgia NAACP is calling on Emory University to reverse its decision to shutter diversity, equity and inclusion offices and programs, and the civil rights group says it is considering legal action if the school does not.
The backstory:
Emory says the move comes in response to pressure from the White House and to comply with federal mandates. A university spokesperson referred questions to an earlier statement from Interim President Justice Leah Ward Sears, citing "federal laws and mandates" that call for closing DEI offices and programs.
What they're saying:
Students told FOX 5 they worry about the impact on campus culture.
"I was pretty disappointed because I know how important those programs are to fostering inclusivity around our campus," said Anvita Guttikonda, a sophomore.
"Seeing the school make all this progress over these last couple of years just to, you know, cut it all back just like that is absolutely unfortunate and certainly unpopular," said Maurice Mashiach, a senior.
Georgia NAACP President Gerald Griggs said the group is also hearing concerns from students and alumni. "You now have students on campus who are questioning why they came to this university," he said. The NAACP is demanding a meeting with Emory’s leadership about the decision.
President Donald Trump has signed executive orders calling DEI programs "discriminatory" and "illegal" and calling on universities to end them. But Griggs said this doesn't mean Emory is under any legal obligation to make the change.
"Given that there is no firm legal basis for them to suspend that. There was a recommendation from the White House, which has subsequently been challenged and we believe is unconstitutional," he said.
Griggs also raised concerns about enrollment.
"What does it mean for the scholarship programs, namely the MLK scholarship? Which is the reason why many of the African-American students have the ability to go to Emory," he said.
The other side:
In her statement, Sears said the move would not weaken Emory’s commitment to equity. "Closing offices or reimagining lawful programs is not, after all, the same as ending our unwavering commitment to fairness, belonging, and opportunity for all, values that are part of Emory’s DNA," she said.
What's next:
Griggs said that if the group cannot reach an agreement with the university, it may consider protests and legal action. "We’re ready to do whatever is necessary within the bounds of the law to make sure Emory understands that this is not going to happen on our watch," he said.
Griggs said university leadership has told him they are open to meeting with the NAACP. The group is demanding that meeting happen by Sept. 30.
The Source: Information in this article came from FOX 5's Eric Mock speaking with the NAACP and Emory Students. It includes past reporting from FOX 5 which you can find linked above.