Dear members of the Candler community:
Thank you for your patience in hearing from me during this exceedingly difficult time on campus. The situation across the past 30+ hours has been fast-moving, and I and Candler’s other leaders have been working hard behind the scenes to see that our students’ needs are met and to contribute what we can to move things forward in a positive direction. I’d like to update you now.
As university officials have reported in recent emails, and you likely have seen described in the media, yesterday morning on Emory’s Quadrangle, police broke up an encampment that was protesting the war in Gaza as well as the construction of a police training center in Atlanta sometimes referred to as “Cop City.” Twenty-eight individuals, about 20 Emory students and faculty, were arrested at the scene. Two of those arrested were Candler students.
Like many of you I have heard from, I am distressed and outraged by videos and firsthand accounts stemming from these events. And like you, I believe the ability to protest peacefully is key to the promotion of a more just society—the kind God calls us to create. I want to assure you that we are supporting our students who were detained, actively working for their release. We are also providing space—figurative and literal space—for other Candler students to arrange their own peaceful protest, which they have done. I am honored to be with them to hear their concerns myself. It’s a beautiful example of how a protest can be peaceful and persistent in a way that promotes productive dialogue. Multiple faculty members and I talked with them into the early hours of the morning today and have continued to be available to them for dialogue and prayer.
I am grateful for all of you and this remarkable community during these difficult days. For those who’ve reminded us on social media that at Candler you learned to think critically, reflect deeply, and strive for justice, and you want current students to be able to do the same. For those who’ve pushed us to do more to ensure the well-being of our community. Even for those who’ve asked us to meet demands we cannot meet on our own. Holding each other accountable, reminding each other that “we’re better than this,” as one who was arrested stated it, moves us closer to beloved community with love, mercy and justice for all.
Please reach out to my office directly at candlerdean@emory.edu if you would like to share your thoughts or concerns about these events.
Grace and peace,
Jan Love
Mary Lee Hardin Willard Dean
Professor of Christianity and World Politics
Candler School of Theology, Emory University
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A correction was made on April 29, 2024. The original version of this text incorrectly stated that no charges had been brought by Emory against students and faculty who were arrested. In fact, those who were arrested at the protest were charged.