Protests at Emory University | An Atlanta lawyer to review

ATLANTA — Emory University is seeking to hire a metro Atlanta attorney to lead an investigation into protests that grew when controversial police attempted to clear a protest encampment in April.

The university announced the review Monday in a press release.

Attorney Richard H. Deane Jr. will review the April 25 protests, which led to 28 arrests, including 20 people who were members of the university 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 the use of force by local law enforcement, but will focus on the university’s decision to remove the encampment and engage law enforcement. ‘order.

The massive crowd gathered as students and community members protested the war in Gaza. Students set up a protest encampment in support of the Palestinians, with the school describing it in a statement as an “intrusion.” University officials quickly rallied behind law enforcement who descended on campus, leading to a confrontation between protesters and law enforcement.

The announcement comes nearly 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” for peaceful dispersal. The department released eight clips from that day, totaling about six hours of footage. The department said in a statement that APD only detained people who failed to comply with the order.

According to the university, its review is currently in its early stages and will be conducted over the coming weeks.