The primary factor to publish the policy now is due to the recent changes to the District of Columbia concealed carry permit process, which allows residents to lawfully carry a firearm in the city. We felt it was important to bring attention to and reinforce the provision of the law which forbids carrying a concealed firearm on university property, even if the owner has a concealed carry permit.

Universities in the city were specifically identified as areas in which firearms can not be lawfully carried for the very purpose of maintaining safe and secure living, learning, and working environments.

No. The policy applies to all properties that are owned, leased, or rented by American University, as well as University-sponsored events, whether on or off campus. The primary locations are: Main Campus; East Campus; the Washington College of Law; the Spring Valley Building, 4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW; 4401 Connecticut Avenue, NW; 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; 3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW; AU leased space in the Berkshire Apartments, 4201 Massachusetts Avenue, NW; and the soccer field in the 4500 Block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

As noted in the policy, exceptions will be decided on a case by case basis by the Assistant Vice President of University Police and Emergency Management.

No. AUPD has been enforcing weapons policies for years. The publication of this information clarifies and consolidates firearms, weapons, and explosives policy and highlights the prohibition to carry a concealed firearm on AU property even if the owner has a concealed carry permit. Please refer to the policy and the accompanying memo for additional details.