Emory University was thrown into chaos this week as an anti-Israel protest turned violent. Amidst the chaos, a video went viral of an Emory professor, Caroline Fohlin, being tackled to the ground and arrested by law enforcement. The incident occurred as Fohlin shouted “I’m a professor” while attempting to intervene in the arrest of another protester.
The video sparked widespread outrage and confusion as many questioned the actions of the police in handling the situation. Fohlin, a professor of economics at Emory, is seen in the video approaching several law enforcement officers who are on the ground arresting another protester. She appears to lean in towards the officers before being grabbed and twisted to the ground by another officer.
As she is being handcuffed, Fohlin can be heard repeatedly shouting “I’m a professor!” in an attempt to gain the attention of the officers and perhaps explain her actions. She is then charged with disorderly conduct and simple battery of an officer. Fohlin’s lawyer, Gregory Clement, states that she was not a protester and that her only concern was the treatment of students on the quad.
Emory Professor who appeared in dramatic arrest video while shouting “I’m a professor’ confessed to ASSAULTING a police office.
Professor of Economics Caroline Fohlin admitted that she “impulsively hit him on the head very lightly to get his attention.” pic.twitter.com/UJehrQeROS
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 27, 2024
In a later video, Fohlin can be heard explaining her actions, stating that she “reacted impulsively” and “apologizes” before requesting for the handcuffs to be removed. This suggests that Fohlin may have been acting on instinct in an attempt to intervene in what she perceived as mistreatment of students on campus.
The incident has sparked a debate on the use of force by law enforcement and the rights of individuals to express their opinions and intervene in protests. Many are questioning whether Fohlin’s actions warranted such a forceful response from the police, while others argue that it is important for law enforcement to maintain control in situations like this.
Emory University has yet to release an official statement on the incident, but students and faculty alike are calling for a thorough investigation into the events that transpired on campus. Some are expressing their support for Fohlin, while others are questioning her actions and the role of professors in participating in protests.
Full video shows the chaotic arrest of Emory Professor Caroline Fohlin as she resisted as officers tried to arrest her while shouting “I’m a professor. I’m a professor of Economics.” pic.twitter.com/nzV8nFNi6q
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 26, 2024
Some students on campus expressed their shock and disappointment at the violence that erupted during the protest. One student, who wished to remain anonymous, stated “We are a community that values education and peaceful discourse. It is disheartening to see violence and arrests on our campus.”
The incident has also brought attention to the larger issue of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The anti-Israel protest was sparked by recent actions taken by the Israeli government, and many argue that the situation is a result of longstanding tensions between the two nations.
While the investigation into the incident is ongoing, it has raised important questions about the use of force in protests and the role of individuals, particularly professors, in voicing their opinions and intervening in such situations. It is clear that this incident has had a major impact on the Emory community and has started a conversation about important issues that need to be addressed.
