Following today's update on the Leonard Hall investigation and the Title IX process, we want to continuing discussing broader issues of sexual misconduct and violence, supporting community members, and ongoing community engagement on these critical issues.

American University is committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct and violence (which includes sexual assault), sexual harassment, and discrimination through community care, education, and accountability. Sexual assault and misconduct harms both individuals and communities, and we take seriously supporting victims of sexual misconduct. Support can take many forms based on what a person may need or want, including those who may be traumatized by this matter based on their personal experiences. Our victim advocacy services, including trauma-informed counseling, are available to students through the Center for Well-Being Programs. Faculty and staff can contact the BHS Faculty and Staff Assistance Program at 800-327-2251 or on the MyBHS portal.

On Thursday, community members are planning to gather on the quad to stand against sexual violence. Community engagement is vital, and we support community members expressing their views. Our Freedom of Expression Policy is a helpful guide for constructive engagement on challenging issues, and we each have a responsibility to be open to listening and learning and to respect the rights of others. Through dialogue and understanding, we can work together on these important issues. We will also be sharing additional engagement opportunities tomorrow.

As with any campus gathering, we are committed to a safe environment for participants and those who are not involved. We encourage peaceful and respectful expression during Thursday’s event. If activity associated with Thursday’s event or actions by individual participants cause injuries, property damage, or disruption to other university activities, the student code of conduct and/or applicable university employment policies will be applied.

In advance of Thursday, we encourage community members to review university policies on class attendance and employee participation in protests. AU’s Undergraduate Academic Rules and Regulations (Section 4.1.1.) provide that “individual instructors may have different attendance requirements….” If a faculty member excuses absences for participation in walkouts or other forms of protest, then the faculty member should excuse participation in any type of protest. Students may not be penalized for excused absences but are required to make up all work missed due to the excused absence. If the faculty member does not excuse the absence, the student may be responsible for the absence or any missed work while absent.

Faculty members may participate in protests in a personal capacity provided that this activity does not occur during a time when they are scheduled to teach or perform other instructional duties, such as conducting office hours. Staff seeking to participate in protests during scheduled work hours should request annual leave under the university's leave policies (Section 12.0). Annual leave may be approved by the employee’s supervisor if there is sufficient advance notice, the requested leave would not interfere with specific work needs for the unit, and the requesting staff member has sufficient accrued leave to cover the time away.

In difficult times like these, as we support victims of sexual violence, some of the best opportunities for our community to heal and move forward are listening, understanding, and coming together. At the same time, we are committed to preventative measures and pursuing accountability for sexual misconduct incidents. We are focused every day on this work, and we look forward to further engagement.