Emory University has responded to a backlash over its “white privilege” policy, saying it is “working hard to make changes”.
The university has come under fire from a number of groups, including the university’s alumni and alumni of the Emory community, who have accused the university of perpetuating white supremacy.
In a statement issued on Monday, Emory said it was “working to make the changes needed to ensure the university community is safe and respectful”.
Emory’s president, Michael Luskin, has since apologized and said the university is working to remove any references to “white people” from its policies.
He said that it had “immediately taken steps to improve the language and tone of the university” and added that Emory was “fully committed to supporting its community and ensuring Emory has a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment”.
The statement said the changes would be “considered with the full support of our community”.
“In light of recent events, we need to make sure we are making meaningful changes in the ways we teach, mentor, support, and interact with students, staff, alumni, and the broader community at Emory,” Mr Luskins said.
“We are making significant changes to the way we teach and mentorship students and staff and have been working with the university and our community to implement these changes.”
The university had also been accused of not being “transparent” in its response to the controversy.
In its statement, the university said it had been “translated to include a broad spectrum of students, alumni and the wider Emory family”.
It said the term “white supremacy” was used in its policies, and “that it is a term that is inherently problematic in the Emary community”.
It also said it “does not support or condone racism, discrimination, or hate speech”.
“It is important to note that Emary has historically had a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community, and we have worked hard to ensure that we are welcoming and respectful to all,” the university statement said.
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