ATLANTA — Emory University's president announced on Monday that commencement will take place off campus this year.
In a letter to the community, the university's president, Gregory L. Fenves, said Emory will relocate its graduation ceremonies to the Gas South District in Duluth next Monday, May 13. Emory's commencement is traditionally held on the campus Quad for undergraduates who are receiving their bachelor's degrees.
"I have been firm in my commitment that Emory will celebrate our graduating students at Commencement. While that commitment has not changed, concerns about safety and security require us to adjust the plans," Fenves wrote in the letter.
The venue change will impact all of Emory's commencement ceremonies for all nine of its schools, including Oxford College.
On Monday, students could be seen taking graduation photos underneath the Emory entrance. Some students like Nathasya Tadjudin say they were surprised by the announcement.
“I woke up reading the email this morning and maybe felt a little disappointed. But I’m just really glad I’ll still be able to graduate with my cohorts," Tadjudin added.
Some students like Peter Nicholas agreed it felt like the safest decision.
"I think it makes sense. It’s probably the safest decision for the school to keep things calmed down,” Nicholas said.
"Please know that this decision was not taken lightly. It was made in close consultation with the Emory Police Department, security advisors, and other agencies — each of which advised against holding Commencement events on our campuses," Fenves added.
The move to relocate Emory's commencement comes after several rounds of protests at the university in support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
On April 25, a rally quickly turned tense after a crowd of about 1,000 people gathered for a demonstration. Confrontations between law enforcement and protesters ensued, and officials said nearly 30 people were detained; among those detained were at least 20 Emory community members.
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Pro-Palestinian/Stop Cop City protest on Emory University campus
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"For many of you, the pandemic interrupted your high school graduations, and you began your Emory experience online. Next Monday, we will celebrate all that you have accomplished since then. You will have your moment together, in person, alongside the people who matter to you the most. Each of your names will be read aloud, and each of you will be conferred an Emory degree," Fenves concluded in the letter. "We will applaud your dedication, your accomplishments, and your resilience. You will become graduates of Emory University, ready to enter a world that needs your talents, your wisdom, and your leadership."
During a town hall meeting on Monday, Fenves also revealed that officials are working on transportation options to assist students in getting to the convocation venue. He added that about 14,000 people will be graduating next Monday.
Click here to read the president's full letter. You can also find more information on Emory's commencement this year online here.