Dear AU Community, 

After an extensive review, the Security Review Working Group (SRWG) at American University (AU) has completed its assessment of campus safety procedures, focusing on the range of options available to the American University Police Department (AUPD) officers to help strengthen their ability to respond to situations involving weapons. The review has culminated in a report and recommendation to maintain the current AUPD safety procedures and protocols that include the use of less-than-lethal equipment including pepper spray and ASP batons. As announced in the Board of Trustees February 2025 Meeting Summary sent on March 4, 2025, President Alger, AU’s President’s Cabinet, and the Board of Trustees are in support of this decision. 

Engagement and Outcomes 

Through a comprehensive engagement process, the SRWG connected with thousands of AU community members via multiple channels, including a website, educational sessions, community forums, and a survey collecting feedback from faculty, staff, students, parents, neighbors, alumni, and members of the Board of Trustees. Survey participants and community forum attendees alike shared their perspectives about the impact that arming AU officers would have on the overall campus climate and culture. Community members expressed fear and anxiety regarding the possibility of arming AUPD with firearms and the range of potential of adverse effects this decision might have on groups with historically challenging relationships with law enforcement, the chilling effect on free speech, and the potential for increased violence. While there were some acknowledgments of the potential security benefits of firearms, these views were generally outweighed by the perceived risks and negative consequences. Of the four options included in the survey, 21% of participants chose arming the police force. 

Ultimately, a primary driver for the decision was feasibility. With recruitment, retention, and training challenges, workforce stability would be difficult, particularly in an area with many competing law enforcement agencies. Regulatory and certification gaps, as well as the financial resources needed for long-term financial sustainability, further complicates the ability to sustain an armed police force.  

Collaborative Process 

Many members of the AU community have come together to support this review process. The working group originally convened in October 2023 and pushed pause as the university prepared for the university presidential transition and addressed some of the challenging political issues taking place during the spring 2024 semester. We resumed the process in the fall 2024 semester, launching the website, educational programming, and engagement opportunities. 

We thank not only the AU community for their feedback, but especially the SWRG members. The working group devoted many hours to the review, attending meetings, facilitating Community Forums with faculty, students, and staff, and reading the draft report and writing recommendations. The student participants of the SRWG hit the ground running with many remaining with us through the entire process. 

Next Steps 

While the review to determine that the AUPD should maintain their current procedures and protocols has concluded, we would be remiss not to address community concerns and calls for enhanced transparency and strengthened trust. To continue the conversation with the community and address concerns, the SRWG plans to identify and develop opportunities to strengthen trust-building initiatives. They also aim to enhance transparency and collaboration by establishing ongoing advisory groups or forums for sustained community engagement. These steps aim to foster a safer campus environment while maintaining trust and transparency with the AU community. 

Please visit the SRWG website at www.american.edu/finance/security-review/ to see the Security Review Report. 

Sincerely, 

Bronté Burleigh-Jones 
CFO, Vice President, and Treasurer 

Phillip D. Morse 
Assistant Vice President, University Police and Emergency Management