Animals Rights Protesters Arrested on Campus

DeKalb County Police officers, assisted by the Emory Police Department (EPD), arrested two Georgia Animal Rights and Protection (GARP) protesters at Emory last Monday afternoon on the grounds of criminal trespass. The protestors were calling for Emory's Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center to release Wenka, a 58-year-old chimpanzee that has been used in studies.

According to a University statement, the protesters were arrested after hanging a banner across the main entrance gate to the University and chaining themselves to the banner, blocking access to main campus. The Emory statement notes that the protesters declined requests from the Emory Police Department (EPD) to remove the banner and themselves from the location.

Atlanta Progressive News identified the arrested activists as Sarita Raturi and Julie Robertson in a May 24 article. About 30 protesters were present at the rally, and the activists blocked the campus entrance for an hour and 15 minutes, according to Atlanta Progressive News.

The oldest chimpanzee at Yerkes, Wenka has been used in studies on alcohol, oral contraceptives and menopause and has had six babies, according to the Atlanta Progressive News. The University statement said that Wenka has been an important participant in Yerkes' National Institute on Aging-funded grant, which scientists use to compare how humans, chimpanzees and rhesus monkeys age.

The purpose of the protest was both to free Wenka and stop further experiments from occurring at Yerkes, according to a May 21 article in Creative Loafing. Two members of the animal rights organization "chained, shackled and padlocked themselves to the two towers of the entrance gate, blocking any incoming traffic," according to the article.

Facebook photographs from the GARP Facebook page show protesters sitting in front of the banner, which read, "Sorry: Closed Due to Cruelty. Free Wenka Now. Will Reopen in the 22nd Century." Protesters also held signs that read, "Free Wenka Now."

EPD officers assisted DeKalb County Police in using bolt cutters to dismantle the chains linking the two women to the banner and then in arresting the individuals.

“[Wenka has] been there for 58 years being researched on since childhood,” an animal rights activist with Georgia Animal Rights and Protection (GARP) said in an interview with the Atlanta Progressive News. "We’ve been trying to meet with Emory, sending letters ... to discuss putting her in a sanctuary. They don’t respond. It’s been one year since we sent the first letter ... The least they could do at the end of her life is to release her to a sanctuary where she could have a little peace.”

However, the University statement notes that Emory and Yerkes "are devoted to the care of Wenka."

"The knowledge Yerkes researchers are gaining from Wenka and other animals at the center is invaluable in helping humans live longer, more healthful lives," the statement said. "Yerkes researchers will continue to build upon their solid foundation of scientific advancements, and the center will continue to provide experts to care for all of its animals."


Emory Point Announces More New Businesses, Now 80 Percent Leased

Emory Point, the mixed-use residential and retail development slated to open in the fall, has signed an additional three businesses and a sixth restaurant, Cousins Properties announced last week.

The Emory Point complex located on Clifton Road near the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention building is now 80 percent leased, according to a Cousins Properties press release. The new leases include three women's boutiques: fab'rik, Lizard Thicket and American Threads, as well as The General Muir, a Jewish-style deli. The development will house 80,000 square feet of retail and marks the first official partnership between Gables Residential and Cousins Properties, both of which are Atlanta-based organizations.

“We’re thrilled these businesses, representing the latest fashions and proven restaurant concepts, have chosen Emory Point,” Mike Cohn, Cousins’ executive vice president, said in the press release. “We believe the diverse mix of retailers and restaurants affirms our commitment to serving the surrounding neighborhoods and shows the interest retailers have in the trade area.”

The deli's opening results from a partnership between Ben Johnson, who opened the Atlanta cafe West Egg in 2004, and Shelley Sweet, the current manager of West Egg.

The General Muir will serve "traditional deli classics, from pastrami and corned beef to chopped liver, smoked fish and hand-rolled kettle-boiled bagels," according to the Cousins statement. The press release notes that the venue will serve traditional Jewish and deli food and will include a bar, coffee shop and pastry counter and will be open for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch.

In addition to the new restaurant, Emory Point will mark the women boutique fab'rik's eighth Atlanta location and will offer "exclusive and limited designs" mostly less than $100, according to the press release. Emory Point will also be the fourth location for Lizard Thicket, which sells trending contemporary styles, and the second location for American Threads, which will sell indie and local designs and vintage clothing and accessories.

Previously announced businesses for Emory Point include Tin Lizzy's, Jazmin Spa, Fresh to Order, Italian resturant La Tagliatella, CVS Pharmacy, Jos. A. Bank, Marlow's Tavern, Which Wich, Solar Dimensions and Carraige Cleaners. Those interested in living at Emory Point can also pre-lease apartments, as reported in an April 23 article, with available studio or one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments.

Floorplans and pricing details are available at www.gables.com/emorypoint.


Emory Announces New Senior VP/Dean of Campus Life

Ajay Nair, the current senior associate vice provost for student affairs at the University of Pennsylvania, has been appointed the new senior vice president and dean of campus life, effective July 16.

Nair will succeed John Ford, who announced in the fall his plans to retire in August after serving at Emory for 11 years.

According to a May 23 University press release, Nair's responsibilities will include overseeing areas ranging from Greek life and residence life, to athletics and student health services. He will serve as "Emory's chief student advocate for nearly 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students," the press release states, providing leadership in "cultivating an ethically engaged community consistent with Emory's vision."

"I feel honored and privileged to join the Emory family," Nair said in the press release. "From the first moment I met colleagues and students at Emory, I knew I was among the very best and brightest in the world. Emory's strong commitment to campus life and academic excellence presents a tremendous opportunity for me to help students reach their fullest potential."

Nair previously served as associate dean of student affairs at Columbia University and has held positions at Pennsylvania State University and the University of Virginia.

A more in-depth version of this story, including an interview with Nair, will be available in the first issue of the Wheel this fall.

— Contact Jordan Friedman.