Emory University is investigating mock eviction notices posted earlier this week on campus that officials say were placed in unapproved areas.
The notices were placed in residence halls and off-campus housing by Emory's Students for Justice in Palestine, according to Emory Hillel, a Jewish student organization.
“Palestinian homes are destroyed as part of the state of Israel’s ongoing attempts to ethnically cleanse the region of its Arab inhabitants and maintain an exclusively ‘Jewish’ character of the state,” part of the notices read.
Several students said they were upset by the notices.
The university said in a statement Wednesday that recognized student organizations can receive permission to post flyers under Emory guidelines consistent with its Open Expression policy.
“While a student group received permission to post the flyers, they did not comply with posting guidelines and the flyers were removed,” the university said.
The student group couldn’t immediately be reached for comment. It’s holding several events this week as part of its “Israel Apartheid Week,” according to a flier on its Facebook page.
Emory Hillel said in an email to students, parents and alumni that Jewish students weren’t specifically targeted. It expected the university to reiterate in a statement “its commitment to ensuring the safety our students.”
The university’s Office of Student Conduct will review the incident and determine appropriate next steps.
Emory Interim Vice President for Campus Life Paul Marthers sent an email to students Tuesday evening.
“Earlier today we heard from a number of Emory students who were upset and concerned by flyers they found posted on their doors and in other areas of campus. They were posted as part of a communication campaign by a student organization concerned with human rights in the Middle East. While we want to create an environment where the free expression of ideas and open, vigorous debate and speech are valued, we must also recognize that the manner in which we communicate can have consequences. In this case, Campus Life is investigating the incident and has engaged with students who created the flyers. While the flyers have been removed from unapproved areas, it does not erase their impact. My hope is we can learn from this incident to bring together in meaningful conversation the many points of view that are needed to advance our understanding of complex issues in the world.”
