I am currently an Emory student, and I can honestly say that the people who are making a big stink about this don't have broad support among the students or faculty. Even many of the liberals think that this entire incident is ridiculous, as it is.
Anthropology Professor Carol Worthman used the phrase "like six n-----s in a woodpile" at a Sept. 15 panel...But in a statement issued through Seideman, Worthman said she used the phrase "to explain, in my opinion, how my field [biological anthropology] is viewed by cultural anthropologists outside of Emory. I am distressed that I offended unintentionally." It might be a small issue on campus, but how anyone, much less a college professor, could be surprised that "nigger in a woodpile" might cause some offense is beyond me.
That's just way over the line. Particularly in a public venue while representing your profession.
Tossing out hardcore racial statements like provides her critics all the ammo they need to demand her firing. And I hope they get it.