ATLANTA — Emory University is seeking to engage a metro Atlanta attorney to lead a review into the protests that mushroomed when contentious police attempted to clear out a protest encampment in April.
The university announced the review on Monday in a news release.
Attorney Richard H. Deane Jr. will review the protests on April 25, which led to 28 arrests, including 20 people who are members of the university's community.
Emory President Gregory L. Fenves said the review would help "develop recommendations to improve how we keep our community safe.”
According to the university, the review will not include an examination of local law enforcement's use of force but will focus on the university's decision to remove the encampment and engage law enforcement.
The massive crowd gathered as students and community members protested over the war in Gaza. Students set up a protest encampment in support of Palestinians, with the school describing it in a statement as a "trespass." University officials soon rallied in heavy law enforcement descending on the campus quad, leading to the clash between the protesters and law enforcement.
The announcement comes almost two weeks after Atlanta Police released body camera footage of the incident.
APD said it assisted the Emory Police Department at its request when a "group of protesters refused multiple requests" to disperse peacefully. The department released eight clips from that day, totaling roughly six hours of footage. The department said in a statement that APD only detained people who weren't compliant with the order.
According to the university, its review is currently in the early stages and will be conducted over the next several weeks.