Will data deception damage Emory? | ajc.com

Will data deception damage Emory?  | ajc.com: The scent of scandal has descended on an institution that is known for its integrity and is often mentioned alongside Atlanta pillars such as Coca-Cola, the Carter Center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Emory's reputation as one of the world's leading research universities is so strong that former President Jimmy Carter and the Dalai Lama have come to teach there.

It is a favorite recipient among Atlanta's most vaunted charities such as the Woodruff Foundation. Founded in 1836, Emory's legacy continued its climb in recent years by acquiring papers from notable scholars, such as Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker.

But that distinction may be damaged after President James Wagner disclosed last week that Emory had for more than a decade intentionally misrepresented test data and other information about its students to publications that rank colleges. Students and parents turn to these rankings when deciding where to apply and attend college.