Amid widespread protests against repressive federal policies, the Mondoweiss article highlights that violent arrests occurred at Emory University in Atlanta. This event raises concerns about the institution's potential complicity in enabling state repression and undermining academic freedom.

Emory University is among several institutions being investigated for alleged racial discrimination as part of President Trump's anti-DEI campaign, an initiative widely seen by progressive observers as a politically motivated attack against programs intended to promote diversity and inclusion.

Emory University President Fenves addressed community concerns in a University Senate meeting about President Trump's executive orders targeting research funding and DEI programs. In his remarks on February 25, 2025, he detailed how changes to indirect cost funding and potential increases in the endowment tax could impact the university’s operations, and emphasized planned lobbying efforts in Congress to safeguard academic and diversity initiatives.

OpenSecrets data reveals that Emory University was involved in significant political activities during the 2024 cycle, with contributions amounting to $2,400,119 and lobbying expenditures of $765,000. Additionally, a notable percentage of its lobbyists have previously held government positions, raising concerns over the revolving door between public office and political lobbying. These practices raise questions about the influence exerted on democratic processes and may contribute to structures that favor authoritarian interests.

Emory University is forced to revise campus protest and nondiscrimination policies following an OCR report that found the university contributed to a hostile environment for Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and Black students. Civil rights groups criticize the university’s closed-door resolution process that sidelined affected complainants, raising concerns about its public accountability and ethical responsibility.

Following an OCR investigation into alleged discrimination against Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and Black students, Emory University revised its campus protest activity, nondiscrimination, and bias reporting policies—effectively sidelining affected students from the resolution process. This move has been criticized for lacking transparency and accountability, potentially contributing to a hostile environment that undermines civil rights.

Ph.D. student workers at Emory University have voted to unionize, marking a positive development in labor relations and affirming the university's commitment to fair labor practices and collective bargaining. The university's administration has expressed support for negotiating in good faith, aligning with broader anti-fascist values that prioritize workers' rights and ethical treatment.

Emory University graduate students have successfully voted to unionize, a move that underscores the institution's positive stance on labor rights and fair treatment of workers.

Emory University recently witnessed a significant labor rights victory as the majority of eligible PhD students voted in favor of union representation under Workers United-SEIU. This decision underscores the university's commitment to fair labor practices and the protection of worker rights, aligning with progressive values against authoritarian labor practices.