MEMORANDUM

November 11, 2016

TO: American University Community
FROM: Neil Kerwin, President
SUBJECT: Setting the Standard for Discourse and Understanding
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As protests formed in cities and campuses across the United States, students convened on Wednesday on the steps
of the Mary Graydon Center in an impromptu gathering to express a range of reactions to the culmination of a very
divisive presidential election. Public Safety officers and campus administrators were present to ensure that
participants were safe and that all rights were preserved. That wasnt easy, but I commend their professionalism
and dedication. Despite their best efforts the situation became highly contentious. Inflammatory language and
actions were evident. I am disappointed that an opportunity to express deeply felt concerns about the results and
implications of the election became an incident that has further divided members of our community and reflected
poorly on our university.
Universities have always been places that respect a range of ideas, unfettered discussion, and respectful debate.
American University upholds institutional values of free expression and mutual respect for people representing
diverse points of view. If we want others to understand and listen to our perspective, we must allow others to
safely express theirs. We can expect expressions of frustration and fear, pride and patriotism, among others. We
should strive to explore their roots and examine them in depth. Let me stateagainthat our commitment to
diversity and inclusion is unshakable. Those who believe they are not afforded the respect and understanding they
deserve must be able to express their views and we must respond if we are to be the institution we aspire to be.
Only a climate for open discussion and healthy debate for all viewpoints will advance that goal.
To that end, I am compelled to comment on one particularly troubling aspect of Wednesdays event. The university
in no way condones, promotes, or supports the burning of the American flag. Yes, the Supreme Court made it quite
clear that this specific act is protected expression under the First Amendment. But, it is also an act of profound
disrespect that left many members of our community outraged, deeply offended, and disappointed. It generated a
great amount of negative reaction from a number of quarters, including our alumni and parents. The nature of the
act and reactions to it can put members of the community at risk of injury. In our maintenance of an environment
of free and open expression, weas a private institutionmust be clear that the safety of our community is of
paramount importance.
I also know that as a result of the election, many in our community are fearful because of their religious beliefs,
skin color, national origin, or sexual identity and expression. The university has public safety, health care
professionals, and ministerial support to assist anyone who feels threatened.
The question for our community now is, what role will American University play in setting a higher standard? Our
name carries special responsibility not only to respect the rights enshrined in our Constitution, but to use our
freedoms wisely and judiciously to create an environment where all can be heard, understood, and free to safely
contribute to healthy debate and discussion.
The weeks and months ahead will no doubt be challenging. The lasting effects of the divisive national election,
and upcoming transition present multiple opportunities for interaction and exchange, and I hope, to learn from
past experiences and conduct ourselves on the highest possible level. A good start was the excellent discussion
yesterday, in which six members of our faculty offered their perspective and expertise on the election to an
engaged, standing room only crowd of faculty, staff, and students. Clearly that discussion was needed and
welcome.
Now I ask every member of our community to help maintain that standard of civil discourse more broadly at our
university.