BackLAW
Emory professors sue the university over 2024 protest arrests (lawsuit filed 2026)
Three Emory University professors filed a civil lawsuit in DeKalb County State Court alleging the university violated its free-speech policies by calling police to disperse a 2024 campus protest over the Israel-Hamas war, resulting in 28 arrests. The tenured professors—Noelle McAfee, Emilio Del Valle-Escalante, and Caroline Fohlin—were among those arrested and were not convicted; Emory disputes the merits of the suit. The case highlights tensions over campus protest, policing, and university policy on open expression.
Why It Matters
The lawsuit raises questions about how universities balance free expression, campus safety, and procedural transparency during political protests, reflecting broader debates on academic freedom and policing at elite institutions.
Timeline
5 Events
Lawsuit filed by Emory professors
April 23, 2026
Three tenured Emory professors—Noelle McAfee, Emilio Del Valle-Escalante, and Caroline Fohlin—file a civil lawsuit in DeKalb County State Court alleging the university violated its policies by calling police to disperse the 2024 protest; they seek repayment of legal costs and punitive damages. The suit notes charges were later dismissed.
Open expression policy revised after 2024
2025
Emory revised its open expression policy after 2024 to clearly prohibit tents, camping, occupations of university buildings, and demonstrations between midnight and 7 a.m.
Arrests during the 2024 campus protest on Emory quad
April 25, 2024
During a campus protest over the Israel-Hamas war, three Emory professors—Noelle McAfee, Emilio Del Valle-Escalante, and Caroline Fohlin—were among 28 people arrested. McAfee was charged with disorderly conduct after yelling at an officer; Del Valle-Escalante was charged with disorderly conduct while helping an older woman; Fohlin was charged with misdemeanor battery after being thrown to the ground. Emory characterized those arrested as outsiders, though 20 of the 28 were university affiliates. Charges were later dismissed.
McAfee serves as president of Emory University Senate after arrest
2024
Noelle McAfee served as president of the Emory University Senate after her arrest; the Senate helps draft policy recommendations and had helped shape the university’s open expression policy.
Fall 2024 remarks by Emory President about charges
2024
Noelle McAfee said she asked then-President Gregory Fenves in fall 2024 why the charges against protesters weren’t dropped; Fenves reportedly replied that he wanted 'to see justice.'