Emory apologizes for anti-Semitism

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ATLANTA, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- The president of Emory University has apologized to former students who were victims of anti-Semitism at its now-defunct dental school in Atlanta.

The apology came Wednesday evening at the school's ballroom after a screening of a documentary about the dozens of former Jewish students who were kicked out of the dental school between 1948 and 1961, The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported.

"I am sorry. We are sorry," Emory President James Wagner told a crowd of about 400 people.

Research by the Anti-Defamation League showed about 65 percent of Jewish students were flunked out or forced to repeat classes during the 13 years.

"From Silence to Recognition: Confronting Discrimination in Emory's Dental School History," a documentary by former dental student Perry Brickman, who was kicked out in 1952, featured interviews with dozens of men who had been affected by the school's anti-Semitism, CNN reported.

"It's shameful, a blot on the institution's history," said Gary Hauk, Emory's vice president and deputy to the president.