The Department of African American Studies is deeply alarmed by the dismantling of Emory’s current Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices and programs, particularly as it comes on the heels of the loss of several key positions in Emory’s Campus Life.

It is unclear how Emory’s DEI programs were unlawful, given that the activities promoted fairness across the university—offering support to everyone from first-generation students to those from low-income backgrounds to our nation’s veterans to queer students to those from underrepresented backgrounds, including women. Its all-inclusive approach meant that students with disabilities were supported and so too were religious groups and even fraternities and sororities. More broadly, the programs enriched the intellectual and cultural life of this community.

Equally concerning are the ways these harmful changes appear to disproportionately impact Black women professionals—members who have worked tirelessly on behalf of Emory and its connection to greater Atlanta.

This decision also missed an opportunity to gain useful input from relevant stakeholders: those most likely to be impacted and those with scholarly expertise on the matter.

Our institution’s mission is to create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity. We want to impress upon our campus partners in Emory’s upper administration that it is essential for them to provide resources and undertake concrete measures to support the constituencies that will be directly and indirectly harmed by this decision, and to do so for the health of the entire community. Emory must act to enshrine the values we claim to uphold.