The Emory University protests, which took place in 2015 and 2016, were a series of demonstrations and rallies held on the university's campus in Atlanta, Georgia. The protests were sparked by a variety of issues, including racial tensions, demands for greater diversity and inclusion, and concerns about campus safety. At the center of the protests were the students, who felt that the university was not doing enough to address their concerns and create a more welcoming and inclusive environment.
Background and Context

The Emory University protests were part of a larger national conversation about racial justice and equality on college campuses. In the fall of 2015, a series of incidents, including the discovery of racist graffiti on campus and the use of racial slurs by some students, sparked outrage and calls for action among the student body. The protests were led by a coalition of student groups, including the Black Student Union, the Latin American Student Organization, and the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Student Organization, among others.
Key Demands and Issues
The students involved in the protests presented a list of demands to the university administration, which included calls for greater diversity and inclusion, increased funding for student organizations and programs, and more support for marginalized communities on campus. The students also demanded that the university take concrete steps to address issues of racial bias and discrimination, including providing training for faculty and staff on diversity and inclusion, and implementing policies to hold students and faculty accountable for racist behavior.
| Issue | Demand |
|---|---|
| Racial Tensions | Increased diversity and inclusion initiatives |
| Campus Safety | Improved lighting and security measures |
| Student Support | Increased funding for student organizations and programs |
| Faculty and Staff Training | Mandatory diversity and inclusion training |
| Accountability | Policies to hold students and faculty accountable for racist behavior |

Key Points

Key Points
- The Emory University protests were sparked by racial tensions and demands for greater diversity and inclusion on campus.
- The students presented a list of demands to the university administration, including calls for increased funding for student organizations and programs, and more support for marginalized communities on campus.
- The university responded to the protests by implementing a number of initiatives, including diversity and inclusion training for faculty and staff, and increased funding for student organizations and programs.
- The protests highlight the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment on college campuses, and the need for universities to take concrete steps to address issues of racial bias and discrimination.
- The Emory University protests were part of a larger national conversation about racial justice and equality on college campuses, and demonstrate the power of student activism in bringing about change.
Aftermath and Impact
The Emory University protests had a significant impact on the university and the wider community. The university responded to the protests by implementing a number of initiatives, including diversity and inclusion training for faculty and staff, and increased funding for student organizations and programs. The protests also sparked a wider conversation about racial justice and equality on college campuses, and highlighted the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
Lessons Learned
The Emory University protests provide a number of lessons for universities and colleges looking to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment on campus. These include the importance of listening to the concerns of students, and taking concrete steps to address issues of racial bias and discrimination. The protests also highlight the power of student activism in bringing about change, and the need for universities to be proactive in promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.
What were the main issues that sparked the Emory University protests?
+The main issues that sparked the Emory University protests were racial tensions, demands for greater diversity and inclusion, and concerns about campus safety.
What were the key demands presented by the students to the university administration?
+The key demands presented by the students included calls for increased diversity and inclusion initiatives, improved campus safety measures, and more support for marginalized communities on campus.
How did the university respond to the protests?
+The university responded to the protests by implementing a number of initiatives, including diversity and inclusion training for faculty and staff, and increased funding for student organizations and programs.