You are here: American University President Announcements September 27, 2017 Memo

AU Memo Letterhead

Memorandum September 27, 2017

To:
American University Community
From:
Sylvia M. Burwell, President
Subject:
Standing Together Against Hate

After attending Dr. Ibram Kendi's program to share the vision for his Anti-Racist Research and Policy Center last night, I was angered and saddened to learn that racist posters with confederate flags and cotton were posted in several locations on campus. We must stand together strongly against this act, which was intended to frighten and divide our community.

This bias incident is being investigated by University Police. Video evidence shows the perpetrator(s) coming on to the campus and hanging the posters on bulletin boards, among other locations, in at least four buildings on campus. Images of the suspect will be released shortly and police welcome any information that will lead to their identification. I encourage anyone with information to please contact Public Safety at 202-885-2527 or use their tip line.  

Rather than allowing this act to divide us, I urge us to come together as a community to support each other. We will meet at Kay Spiritual Life Center at 1:00 PM to gather and discuss what happened, what steps are being taken, hear from each other, and offer support.

I ask you to join me in standing together and show that we will not be intimidated. AU will respond strongly to attempts designed to harm and create fear. Instead, we will recommit to creating a community that does not stand by. When one of us is attacked, all of us are attacked.

Statement from Vp of Campus Life

On September 26, ten confederate flag posters with cotton attached to them were reported in three locations on campus - Battelle, McKinley and Mary Graydon Center. AU Police and the Office of Campus Life are investigating and we will notify the community when more information is known.

Read the Statement