ATLANTA – (WAOK/AJC) – More than a hundred Emory University students are protesting proposed cuts, that will eliminate staff and some programs. They occupied the university’s administration building on Tuesday, until a meeting was arranged with the Vice President. The demonstration is just the latest reaction on campus, after Dean Robin Forman announced several programs would be closed, including journalism, physical education and visual arts.
In September Forman said the changes come as Emory works to enhance core strengths and expand into developing academic areas. He said the cuts did not come as a response to finances. Officials have said about 40 faculty and staff members will either lose their jobs or not have their contracts renewed. Students and faculty say discussions about the changes were held in secret and they have questioned whether it will disproportionately harm minorities and other underrepresented students on campus.