At Emory University, the disbanding of DEI contradicts the school's progressive reputation

Emory University alumni say they are concerned the move is regressive and out of step with Atlanta’s legacy of civil rights.

ATLANTA — As the Georgia NAACP weighs a protest at Emory University over its president’s announcement that it would dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs, a group of Black alums has banded together in support of the elite college’s first Black leader, who made the proclamation.

The Sept. 3 announcement from newly installed interim President Leah Ward Sears that the venerable Atlanta institution, renowned for its civic engagement and social accountability, would disband its DEI initiatives generated a range of emotions from those connected to the school and community.

Gerald Griggs, president of the Georgia NAACP, told NBC News that as a 2000 graduate, he expected more from his alma mater.

“One of the reasons I went to Emory was because of its DEI programs and the community over there that was very welcoming,” he said. “So, it was definitely a shock to learn it was one of the first schools in Georgia to follow the unconstitutional mandate of the current president.”

Sears, the first Black president of the school, sent out a letter saying that Emory was conforming with President Donald Trump’s executive order to end DEI programs at colleges and universities.