Candice McKinley

Candice D. McKinley joined the Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance (DECRC) as a Civil Rights Investigator in 2025. In this role, she investigates staff, faculty, and student complaints of discrimination/harassment based on protected class characteristics across Emory’s campuses. She also supports DECRC’s broader compliance and equity initiatives by conducting trainings, ensuring institutional adherence to civil rights policies, and collaborating with campus partners to promote a safe, inclusive academic environment.

Prior to joining Emory, Candice founded C. McKinley Law & Associates, a civil rights and education law firm focused on legal advocacy for students/families in underserved communities. She also held in-house counsel and policy roles within K-12 public school districts, with a particular focus on disability rights and IDEA compliance. With over two decades of combined experience in education, advocacy, and compliance, Candice brings a holistic and intersectional lens to the DECRC.

She is a proud graduate of Spelman College, where she earned her B.A. in Psychology, and holds a J.D. from Florida A&M University College of Law. A former triathlete and certified Pilates instructor, Candice is passionate about wellbeing to sustain her life of service.