Emory Adjunct Professor Defends Use Of N-Word In Class

Emory University has received a $5 million grant to establish a new center at the law school focused on advancing civil rights and social justice.

WABE / WABE

“History is ugly, and you can’t filter it,” explains attorney and Emory Law adjunct professor Robert Saunooke of his use of the N-word in-class.

Critics, including some Emory University students, say Saunooke was insensitive and out of line when he used the word as part of a descriptor in a recent class.

It was one of two mentions if the word on the same day by an Emory adjunct. And that’s bringing the school a lot of attention. Unwarranted attention, says Saunooke.

On Wednesday’s edition of “All Things Considered,” Saunooke spoke with WABE’s Jim Burress about the incident and how it plays into a larger conversation about race, racism, and “other-ness.” And when they spoke, Saunooke largely defended his use as part of his own experience as Native American.