Memorandum April 30, 2023

Dear AU Community,

The last few days have been challenging and difficult, and we know concerns remain as the Kerwin Hall investigation continues. We understand the stress this situation causes, on top of an already intense period during finals and the conclusion of the semester. We are taking the necessary safety measures to ensure the security of our community. Today, we want to provide the latest information from the investigation and acknowledge and discuss the sentiments expressed by the AU community. 

After continued investigation through the weekend, there remains no indication of a threat to the AU community. The campus is secure, and the information we continue to collect reinforces our assessment of the situation. Over the weekend, AUPD spoke to additional witnesses from the Kerwin classrooms who had firsthand encounters with the individual’s actions, statements, and writings. While his behavior and mannerisms were unusual, the information from these interviews continues to support the assessment that the individual did not intend harm.

To support the safety of our community, AUPD continues its heightened presence. At this busy time of year, AUPD patrolled campus events that took place over the weekend and will continue their expanded engagement throughout the week.  

We also want to speak to the concerns in our community. To our students–we hear you, and we appreciate the constructive presentation of your views about finals. Anxiety and fear are understandable, particularly in a time of extensive gun violence around the country, including in schools. We are committed to supporting you as we finish the semester. Students can contact the 24-hour AU ProtoCall line at 202-885-7979 or the Center for Well-Being Programs and Psychological Services at 202-885-3500. Both services are prepared to care for student needs. 

At this time, the investigation and the information collected do not support changing our standard operations. Finals will proceed as scheduled. If the evidence or the situation change at any point, we are prepared to reassess our decision and update our approach if necessary. Our excused absence policy remains in effect. Faculty members have discretion to excuse an absence, and we encourage faculty to use their judgment and empathy for individual student circumstances.  

To our faculty and staff–thank you for supporting our students and each other as we navigate this challenging situation together. We know you are similarly affected and concerned, and that you are committed to helping our students. The entire university leadership is here to support you, and our support services are always available. Faculty and staff can contact the BHS Faculty and Staff Assistance Program at 800-327-2251 or on the MyBHS portal. Our standard workplace operations also continue and are critical to support our students as we conduct finals.

The careful and thoughtful decision to move forward with finals and campus operations was made with extensive consideration of the relevant factors, including the investigation and campus safety, the views expressed by community members, and the educational needs of our students. It reflects our commitment to your safety and the assessment that there is no indication of a threat. While it may not be the outcome requested by the student petition, we want to be clear that these views are heard and understood.

Finally, we want to address an additional matter that arose following the incident in Kerwin Hall. Online posts offered descriptions or photos of the individual observed in Kerwin Hall. We have heard concerns about racial profiling of community members who may resemble the individual. Such behavior is disturbing, wrong, and unacceptable in our community. No one should be suspected, accused, or harassed because of their race or identity. Any acts of bias or discrimination should be reported to the Office of Equity and Title IX. Any community member who experiences bias or discrimination will be supported.

We will continue to update the community about any new information in the investigation. Thank you for your continued support, and we will support you for a successful conclusion of the semester.

Sincerely,

Peter Starr
Provost and Chief Academic Officer

Bronté Burleigh-Jones, Ph.D.
CFO, Vice President, and Treasurer