Emory University's president is retracting a statement issued last week on behalf of the university, now saying members of the Emory community were part of a pro-Palestinian camp on the university's Quad.
The report earlier said that those behind the camp “do not belong to our community”.
University President Gregory L. According to Fenves' statement on Monday: “It is now clear to us that this information was not entirely accurate, and I apologize for that inaccuracy.”
In addition, school officials have told defense attorneys they are considering dropping charges against those arrested during last week's protest on the campus quad, which ended in the violent arrest of 28 people by officers, according to a source familiar with the situation.
“These people are not from our community. They are activists trying to disrupt our university while our students are finishing classes and preparing for finals. “Emory will not tolerate vandalism or other criminal activity on campus,” the school's statement Thursday said.
Information about the arrests, including that of the professor, became public and was proved to be false.
Of the 28 people arrested, 20 are associated with the university. That included economics professor Carolyn Fohlin, who, along with others, spent the night in the DeKalb County Jail Thursday night before being bonded out the next day. They faced charges ranging from disorderly conduct to criminal trespass after refusing to leave the campus despite warnings from law enforcement that they would be arrested.
CNN has reached out to the university for comment on the potential fee reduction. An official declined to comment, CNN said, adding that someone would be in touch later.
In his letter, Fenves affirmed his commitment to safety and disclosure on campus while working to rebuild trust.
“I am committed to supporting our students and teachers who wish to express their views in peace. We will not tolerate behavior that undermines these efforts. I know many members of our community are focused on their classes, research, exams and upcoming graduations,” he said.
“I am focused on protecting our campuses, supporting peaceful expression for all members of our community, and finding ways to foster healing and rebuild hope.”
The school's faculty is currently in the midst of a vote of no confidence in Fenves following his handling of Thursday's protests, with results expected later this week.
