December 14, 2023

Dear AU Students,

As we complete the semester, we want to provide additional guidance about campus events and activities, including protests. Final exams and events to celebrate our fall graduates are currently underway. These academic activities and annual traditions are a vital part of the AU student experience. We are focused on supporting these important events as well as the student experience on campus.

Community members expressing their views through protest is an element of freedom of expression. When community members choose to protest, organizers and participants must adhere to university policies, as well as the values and responsibilities we share as members of the AU community. Expressive activities on campus, including protests, are subject to reasonable regulation regarding the time, place, and manner of the activities.

American University policy requires that protests do not disrupt or interfere with classes (including exams), operations, normal use of university facilities, or other university-sponsored programs and events. Protest activity cannot obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic on campus; prevent the free movement of people on campus, including entry and exit from university buildings; or damage university property or the property of others. Protests that enter university buildings may be directed outside to prevent disruption of classes, exams, or other university functions. Behavior found to be substantially disruptive to university operations may be in violation of the Freedom of Expression Policy as well as the Student Conduct Code and is actionable. To address questions we have received and clarify expectations, additional examples of protest activity that may be considered disruptive include but are not limited to—amplified noise, physically striking a building, window, or door; interference with the program of a university event; and disregarding instructions from university officials about conduct occurring within the protest. Conduct by other students, faculty, or staff interacting with protests that violates our policies is actionable under the appropriate policies, including the Staff Personnel Manual and/or the Faculty Manual.

If you have any questions about the policies or guidance, please contact studentaffairs@american.edu.

Thank you for your support for our community, particularly your fellow students as they complete exams and celebrate their graduation.

Sincerely,

Raymond Ou
Vice President of Student Affairs

Dayne Hutchinson
Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Success

Jeff Brown
Interim Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs