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We recognize these are historic times, and that many students feel it is important to engage with the critical issues of our era and make their voices heard. American University defends the right to free expression, including the freedom to express dissent, within the context of the law and responsibility for one’s actions. The university has a long-standing policy supporting freedom of expression and dissent, and these values are regularly affirmed as institutional values.

What is Activism?

Activism is work to bring about change. In practice, that means it involves a wide range of activities where student practice community advocacy and express passionate views to increase the visibility of an issue or inspire collective action. As a socio-political engagement, activism can include these things and more:

• demonstrations
• community organization
• social media advocacy
• political canvassing
• hosting controversial speakers
• social justice education

Questions about campus-based activism and engagement? Please reach out to campusactivism@american.edu.

On-Campus Protests

The Student Engagement team wants to ensure your voices are heard and your rights are not infringed upon while active in Campus Activism. American University also recognizes the need to preserve and protect its property, students, guests, and employees of the university, and to ensure the effective operation of educational, business, and related activities of the university. Expressive activities on the university’s campus may be subject to reasonable regulation regarding the time, place, and manner of the activities. University employees will not consider the content of expressive activities when enforcing this policy. No policy can address every possible activity or situation that may occur on university property, and the university reserves the right to address such situations as circumstances warrant.

For Students Participating in Off-Campus Protests

If you choose to participate in off-campus protests, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities, be prepared, and be familiar with resources and policies. AU affirms that:

• Students have a right to engage in peaceful and lawful protest.
• No student who is enrolled or has a pending application will be affected by disciplinary actions arising from their participation in peaceful and lawful protests, so long as their personal conduct is consistent with AU policy.
• No disciplinary action will be taken if students are arrested off-campus for protesting peacefully and/or violating curfews related to protesting.
• Students’ financial aid status with the University will not be impacted. 

Questions? Please reach out to campusactivism@american.edu

AU Resources and Policies

• AU Policy on Freedom of Expression and Dissent: This policy establishes protections for freedom of expression and dissent for all members of the University community — students, faculty, staff and hosted visitors — and describes the guidelines for conduct at demonstrations.
• AU Statement on Student Involvement during Off-Campus Demonstrations: June 2020 statement on freedom to express dissent and participate in peaceful and lawful protests.
• : WCL's Pence Law Library has compiled links to social justice organizations, petitions, links to bail funds, news sources, advice for protesters and more.

AU Video Trainings 

Trauma-informed engagement provides foundations and principles that can help organizations be effective, while avoiding stumbling into misguided actions that can interrupt or disrupt progress. This three-part training, viewable on video, describes the practical application of a trauma-informed approach, which can help to maintain social cohesion, build cross-cultural collaboration, and develop strategies for ethical campus activism.

• : How to recognize the different ways communities are impacted by trauma and create a space where people feel heard and can engage in collective activism effectively and in ways that avoid retraumatizing. 
• : How to realize, recognize and respond to trauma while resisting retraumatizing. 
• : On the ground — how trauma-informed response really works for student leaders and organizers. 

Local and National Resources

• Protests require special events permits; here’s the process.
• Information on tear gas and similar compounds and what to do if exposed.
• FAQ on what to know to exercise your constitutionally protected right to protest.
• Examples of creative ways that communities and students have found to protest during the pandemic.
• What to bring, how to protest safely, what to do if encountering tear gas and pepper spray, and other resources.
•  Localized versions of ACLU’s “Mobile Justice” app.
• Pamphlet with resources and tips for protesters.
• Description of rights and scenarios for organizers, protesters, recording protests, and more.
• List compiled with National Bail Fund network.  
• List of local bail support and legal defense projects by state and city.
• Tips from clothes to water to how to document.