Families, we shared this update with our students, faculty and staff a few moments ago. We share it with you now for your reference.

Dear AU Community,

Last night, swastikas and a Nazi slogan were graffitied on two room doors and in a bathroom in Letts Hall. This hateful act of antisemitism is reprehensible. Jewish students live in both rooms where the doors were vandalized. When we are so deeply focused on our community of care─supporting each and every member of our community who is in pain and feeling scared and vulnerable─it is unacceptable that our Jewish community was targeted and harmed through this act. Hate speech will not be tolerated. It violates the values that define our community.

We are supporting the students in the involved rooms. Any other students residing on campus needing assistance within the residence halls with this matter can connect with the resident director on call through the front desks of their buildings.

AUPD is thoroughly investigating this incident. Anyone found responsible will be subject to university policies and appropriate disciplinary actions. If any member of the community has any information about the Letts Hall incident, please contact AUPD at 202-885-2999 or with the RAVE Guardian app, where anonymous tips can also be submitted. AUPD is operating with increased awareness across campus to support the safety of the community. Anyone who feels unsafe can call the AUPD emergency number at 202-885-3636, use the blue light emergency telephones on campus, or use the RAVE Guardian app.

As we address this incident and the larger issues causing pain in many parts of our community, we are focused on supporting our community members, hearing their concerns, and working to ensure their safety. A core principle of inclusive excellence is that we are part of a thriving community where individuals of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included. I ask that as a community we recognize that our Jewish and Israeli community members and families are frightened. Our Muslim and Palestinian community members and families are frightened. Acts of hate, intimidation, and dehumanization cannot be the way we live together and treat one another. This includes physical threats, as well as online harassment and doxxing. No matter your background, ethnicity, or faith, everyone has a right to feel safe.

For all community members who are affected by this act or by the larger global issues, our support resources are available. Campus services, including the Center for Well-Being and Psychological Services and the AU ProtoCall 24-hour support line (202-885-7979) are available for students. The BHS service is available for faculty and staff and their families, and the Kay Spiritual Life Center welcomes all community members (with special office hours being available).

This is a moment where we must support each other and stand against all acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and other forms of hate. This includes our community reporting such incidents so we can address them. The events in the Middle East and the related concerns in communities everywhere, including ours, will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Acts of antisemitism and hatred like what happened in Letts Hall undermine the foundational efforts of support and safety that so many in our community are moving forward.

We will not waver in our focus on safety and support for our community.

Sincerely, 

Sylvia M. Burwell
President, American University