Emory students rally after president's essay - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

More than 200 Emory students gathered for a rally against racism on Wednesday after comments from the university's president sparked a nationwide controversy.

Emory President James Wagner wrote about the three-fifths compromise in his letter from the president in the school alumni magazine. Wagner wrote that the decision to count slaves as three-fifths a person was an example of compromise for the current deadlocked Congress and President.

Wagner later wrote an apology after an uproar ensued, but students said they aren't satisfied.

"I'm definitely disappointed in his choice of reference I think it was a very foolish mistake for him to make and I think it was understandably offensive," said Nicole Blumenkehl.

Students said say it's a sign of broader problems on campus.

"We spent four years here. A lot of have tired all our entire high school career to get here so I think it's kind of heartbreaking to get here and think, 'man, nobody wants me here,'" said Candace Pressley.

At the opening of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference archives on campus Friday, Wagner publicly apologized for the controversial words.

"Given the events of our times on this campus, I know I personally have a long way to go," Wagner said on Friday.

Students said more than an apology is needed.

"Sometimes you have to actually do things. More than issue an apology, you have to act, you have to change policies," Pressley.

While some students demanded that Wagner resign, others hope the controversy can be a growing experience.

"I think it's just a learning moment for him. I think this is also something we can all learn from. We're all human, we all make mistakes," said Kevin Satterfield.