Statement on Vandalism at American University During Rosh Hashanah

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 28, 2022

Contact: Avi D. Gordon, Executive Director Alums for Campus Fairness

917-332-1185, [email protected]

Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) is outraged and appalled by the recent act of vandalism at American University. Over the Rosh Hashanah holiday, a ceiling tile in the bathroom of Anderson Hall was vandalized with a swastika. ACF will not stand by as Jewish spaces at our alma maters are targeted.

On Monday, September 26th, 2022, a swastika on a ceiling tile was reported, and President Sylvia Burwell addressed the incident in a letter, stating the vandalism was removed and condemning these acts of antisemitism. President Burwell has ensured AU’s Housing and Residential Life staff and the AU Police both remain involved and reported the incident to the AU Office of Equity and Title IX for additional action under the discrimination and non-Title IX sexual misconduct policy.

ACF will continue to be actively engaged in taking action in response to this incident. We commend President Sylvia Burwell and the American University Police Department for taking the necessary and appropriate additional steps moving forward to ensure the safety of the campus Jewish community. Such horrific acts of antisemitism will not be tolerated.

According to FBI hate crimes statistics, more than half of all hate crimes with a religious bias are directed at Jews. We call on the entirety of the greater Jewish community to condemn these terrible and unacceptable acts of antisemitism at our alma maters. As we continue to condemn antisemitism, it is crucial to also ensure Jewish life on campuses remain safe.

About ACF: Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF) leverages the unique power of alumni to combat antisemitism on college campuses. ACF helps organize and cultivate alumni chapters for colleges and universities across the country, equipping members with tools, tactics, and training to proactively engage with administrators. Learn more at www.campusfairness.org.