Emory University Stop Cop City (ESCC) alleged that the University violated the Respect for Open Expression Policy yesterday afternoon after taking down banners the group hung on the Emory Student Center patio railings. ESCC displayed the banners to “hold the University and administration accountable for their involvement in the Cop City project,” according to a post on Instagram.
The open expression policy states members of the Emory community can express nonpersonal dissent by posting flyers, signs or displays, as long as the content is within the limits of the law.
However, Assistant Vice President of University Communications Laura Diamond said that Emory took down the banners because they violated the University’s posting guidelines, which state banners are allowed to be hung in reservable outdoor spaces as long as the area is not booked for use. If a space is reserved, the University will discard any unsanctioned banners.
The open expression policy also notes that individuals must “follow all applicable flyer posting policies and banner reservation rules.”
Diamond declined to comment further when asked how ESCC specifically violated the posting guidelines.
The “Stop Cop City” movement protests the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center’s construction, citing environmental concerns and threats to marginalized people. ESCC specifically denoted Emory’s involvement in their banners, which read “Stop Cop City” and “Fenves must step down from ATL Committee for progress.”
University President Gregory Fenves sits on the Atlanta Committee for Progress (ACP), a partnership of Atlanta’s “top” civic, business and academic leaders. In April 2021, ACP announced its support of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.
ESCC and its members did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
News Editor Jack Rutherford (27C) contributed reporting.
