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Memorandum April 28, 2023

Dear AU Community,

Let me begin by acknowledging that this is a challenging and concerning situation. Please be assured that this matter has received our continued focus across the university since it was reported. Here is the latest information about the ongoing Kerwin Hall investigation. We also want to address questions that we have heard from you. We are working quickly to investigate the matter while always maintaining the safety of the AU community. AUPD’s increased and continuous presence, including officers assigned to patrol every academic building and Mary Graydon Center, supports our secure campus environment.

Based on our threat assessment, interviews conducted with community members, and video evidence including a recording of the individual’s activity in a classroom, there is no indication that the individual observed in Kerwin Hall was on campus to do harm. The individual had minimal interaction during his time on campus. This is a data and evidence informed conclusion, based on AUPD’s extensive law enforcement expertise and practices. The investigation is being led by AUPD Chief Phil Morse, who has more than 40 years’ experience, including leading the US Capitol Police force.

We continue to interview additional witnesses and review all tips submitted from the community. The investigation is exploring the full spectrum of possible causes of the situation, ranging from an individual in distress to potential broader safety concerns, to determine the explanation for the individual’s presence and activity on campus.

Unconfirmed online reports about statements or actions attributed to the individual in the Kerwin Hall classroom create additional questions. At this time, we cannot validate these reports. We continue to vigorously pursue this element of the investigation. Incomplete or out-of-context information can circulate in situations like this, and we ask the community to avoid speculation. The investigation and any subsequent actions must be based on facts and the processes outlined by applicable laws and university policies.

We will provide updates to the community as new information develops. Any urgent updates or changes to operations will be communicated through AU Alerts and other emergency communications channels.

We also want to answer questions that we have received from the community.

Will classes and exams move online?

Per our standard practice throughout the academic year, individual faculty members may move a class meeting to an online format. The university is not changing overall class modality.

Will there be additional security on campus?

AUPD increased patrols on campus, including officers on foot, in vehicles, and in buildings. Officers are assigned to patrol every academic building and Mary Graydon Center. Following our safety protocols and practicing good individual safety behaviors are the best approaches for a safe campus. All community members can use the RAVE Guardian app to alert AUPD to any concerning situation.

Why was an emergency alert not issued on Thursday?

We share as much information as is available as quickly as possible. After receiving reports on Thursday of an individual behaving in an unusual manner, AUPD immediately checked the building, spoke to the community members who reported the situation, and began an investigation. At that time, it was necessary to determine the facts of the situation and collect sufficient information. As there was no evidence of a crime taking place, a crime alert was not required. When further information became available as the investigation moved forward, communications took place Thursday night on social media and via email to the AU community on Friday morning.

We know this situation is stressful and we are taking all steps to ensure the safety of the AU community and our campus. Activities are continuing. 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 on your phone. As indicated in this morning’s message, campus support resources are available to students, faculty, and staff.

Please continue to provide any relevant information to AUPD and watch your email and AU communications channels for further updates.

Sincerely,

Bronté Burleigh-Jones, Ph.D.
CFO, Vice President, and Treasurer