Tribute to Dr. S. Perry Brickman

Uncovering Antisemitism at Emory University’s Dental School

Alpha Omega honors the life and work of Dr. Stanley “Perry” Brickman, DDS (December 23, 1932 - January 26, 2025), an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, community leader, and investigator whose pursuit of truth exposed a long hidden record of antisemitism at Emory University’s School of Dentistry. His work restored dignity to classmates, helped a major university confront its past, and reflects the values at the heart of Alpha Omega.

At the AO International Convention in December 2025 (Naples, Florida), Alpha Omega adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Stanley “Perry” Brickman.

Resolution Honoring Dr. S. Perry Brickman

(Submitted by Dr. S. Murray Miller and Dr. Marvin Sonne)

Whereas anti-Semitism is the scourge of our people, the Jewish people, which has been used overtly and covertly against us in many realms of our lives over millennia, we in Alpha Omega are proud to recognize the outstanding effort of one of our own members, Dr. S. Perry Brickman, z”l, to expose the horrific rampant actions of the administration at the Emory University School of Dentistry for more than two decades when Jewish dental students were forced to drop out of school simply because they were Jewish, and

Whereas Dr. Brickman's actions led to a public apology in 2012 from the President of Emory University, Dr. James Wagner, for the grievous actions thrust upon all those Jewish dental students harmed by the actions of the Emory University School of Dentistry, we are eternally grateful for what he accomplished.

Therefore, be it resolved that the Alpha Omega International Dental Society at its International Convention in December 2025 in Naples, FL express its high praise and profound admiration for Dr. S. Perry Brickman, z”l, who achieved a remarkable and important result in exposing, then confirming, the cruel and vicious anti-Semitism suffered by the Jewish students at the Emory University School of Dentistry, from 1948 to 1961.

Life and Legacy of Dr. S. Perry Brickman

Dr. Stanley “Perry” Brickman, DDS (December 23, 1932 – January 26, 2025), was an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, community leader, and investigator whose work exposed a long-hidden pattern of discrimination at Emory University’s School of Dentistry.

In the early 2000s, while reviewing his Emory transcript, Dr. Brickman discovered the failing grade that ended his dream of becoming a dentist in 1952. He later learned that he had never actually failed the course. This revelation led him to uncover the experiences of dozens of Jewish students who, like him, had been falsely failed between 1948 and 1961 under the tenure of Dean John Buhler.

Driven by a deep sense of justice and an unwavering commitment to truth, Dr. Brickman spent years conducting interviews, collecting documents, and assembling evidence. His work ultimately paved the way for Emory University’s historic 2012 public apology, which acknowledged the discriminatory practices and honored those who had been affected.

Dr. Brickman’s efforts restored dignity to former students and their families, shed light on a painful chapter of history, and became a powerful example of perseverance, moral courage, and the importance of confronting past injustices.

The Investigation

The turning point came in the early 2000s when Dr. Brickman discovered an unexpected failing grade on his 1952 Emory transcript, a grade he had never been told about and that ultimately prevented him from completing dental school. What appeared at first to be a clerical oddity soon emerged as a disturbing pattern.

Dr. Brickman began contacting other former Jewish students from the Emory School of Dentistry. One after another, he heard similar stories: unexplained failing grades, dismissals, and academic setbacks that many had long carried as personal failures. His interviews revealed something far more troubling, an orchestrated pattern of anti-Jewish discrimination that had never been publicly acknowledged.

Brickman spent years gathering evidence, conducting oral histories, locating documents, and reconstructing the academic records of the affected students. His work demonstrated that during the period from 1948 to 1961, Jewish students at Emory’s dental school were disproportionately failed, often without academic justification.

His research was meticulous and deeply personal. For many interviewed, the experience of revisiting these painful memories brought closure after decades of silence. For others, it opened conversations within families about experiences that had remained hidden for generations.

The Emory Apology

Dr. Brickman’s findings ultimately reached Emory University’s leadership, setting in motion a historic moment of institutional accountability. After reviewing his documentation and interviewing affected alumni, the university acknowledged the systemic discrimination that took place within the School of Dentistry from 1948 to 1961, particularly under Dean John Buhler.

On October 10, 2012, Emory President James Wagner delivered a formal public apology at an event attended by Dr. Brickman, former students, faculty, community leaders, and national media. The ceremony recognized the emotional, academic, and professional harm inflicted on Jewish students whose academic careers had been derailed without justification.

President Wagner commended Dr. Brickman for his persistence, courage, and humanity, noting that without his research, the truth might never have been uncovered. For the affected families, the apology provided long-awaited validation, healing, and closure.

The event marked an important milestone in Emory’s institutional history, serving as a reminder of the importance of confronting painful truths and honoring those who seek justice with integrity and resolve.

Honors and Recognitions

Dr. Brickman’s work received national attention following Emory University’s 2012 public apology, where university leaders formally acknowledged the discriminatory practices uncovered through his investigation. His commitment to truth and justice earned widespread recognition within the dental, academic, and Jewish communities.

He was honored by Alpha Omega for his lifelong dedication to ethical leadership, community service, and his determination to confront historical injustice. His work continues to inspire educators, clinicians, and students across generations.

Personal Life and Legacy

Outside of his professional achievements, Dr. Brickman was admired for his warmth, kindness, and generosity of spirit. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose quiet strength and compassion touched all who knew him.

His legacy lives on through the countless students he inspired, the colleagues he supported, and the truths he courageously brought to light. His work serves as a reminder of the responsibility each of us carries to stand up for justice, dignity, and integrity.

In His Memory

Dr. Brickman’s life and work continue to inspire generations of dentists, students, and community leaders. His dedication to uncovering the truth, advocating for justice, and uplifting others reflects the highest values of Alpha Omega.

May his memory be a blessing, and may we honor his legacy by continuing the work he championed, supporting ethical leadership, and fostering a community grounded in compassion and integrity.