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Critical. Subversive. Irrepressible.

AWOL

Critical. Subversive. Irrepressible.

AWOL

Critical. Subversive. Irrepressible.

AWOL

Recent Stories

Thousands rally at the Lincoln Memorial days before Trump’s inauguration

Thousands rally at the Lincoln Memorial days before Trump’s inauguration

Protestors from around the country gathered in Washington to voice their concerns for the new presidency at the People’s March.
Benjamin Austin, Conny Galvez, and Natalie Monga February 7, 2025

Thousands rallied on Jan. 18 at the People’s March in Washington to advocate for women’s rights ahead of President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Activists showed up in support of various...

Global Federation of Chinese Businesswomen in Baltimore members holding their banner to start the parade.

Lunar New Year Parade takes over Chinatown

Families from the Washington area gathered to celebrate community, culture and history.
Daisy Bateman and Jacob Saucier February 4, 2025

Crowds lined the streets of the district’s Chinatown on Sunday for the annual Lunar New Year Parade, a vibrant celebration marking the arrival of the Year of the Snake. The event was hosted by the Chinese...

A photographer frames a shot of the Capitol as Proud Boys look on.

In downtown Washington, President Trump’s supporters celebrate, shiver and gloat

Thousands endured long lines and frigid temperatures celebrating Trump’s second inauguration.
Ben Ackman and Benjamin Austin January 22, 2025

Thousands of Trump supporters gathered in downtown Washington on Monday for President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. In a city where less than 7% voted for the Republican, Trump supporters stood...

In the shadow of the presidential election, Women’s Marchers seek hope from one another

In the shadow of the presidential election, Women’s Marchers seek hope from one another

The future of reproductive rights is murky. Still, activists are finding determination in solidarity.
Will Sytsma and Ben Ackman January 15, 2025

In the early afternoon on Nov. 9, 2024, protestors gathered at Washington’s Columbus Circle as the bass of a distant go-go band thumped through Union Station. They took photos with their signs by the...

Finding the jungle in the urban jungle

Finding the jungle in the urban jungle

Despite obstacles to access, students explore outdoor life in the district
Stevie Rosenfeld, Staff Member December 20, 2024

American University is in a city abundant with nature. Students can step off the metro and walk onto the green of the National Mall. The red line takes Washingtonians to both Fannie Mae, one of the district’s...

Community Profile: Julia Ford

Community Profile: Julia Ford

Finding community through coffee.
Stella Camerlengo, Staff Editor December 13, 2024

Julia Ford is the Manager of The Davenport Coffee Lounge, a student-run coffee shop at the School of International Service. A low-income student and first-generation college student, she hopes to see The...

AU alumna and journalist Tara Palmeri speaks at the School of Communication

AU alumna and journalist Tara Palmeri speaks at the School of Communication

Palmeri reflected on her career and the importance of maintaining authenticity in an age of disinformation.
Stella Camerlengo, Staff Editor December 12, 2024

On Oct. 17, journalist and American University School of Communications alumna Tara Palmeri returned to her alma mater to share insights from her career covering politics, offering advice on navigating...

A new place for AI at AU

A new place for AI at AU

AU has a new fund for generative AI research, but students and faculty say information on the new AI fund has been scarce.
Ben Ackman, Multimedia Producer December 6, 2024

American University’s College of Arts & Sciences announced a fund for researching generative artificial intelligence over the summer, but the AU community knows little else about it. According...

What's behind a name?

What’s behind a name?

The fight for redesignation of Arlington House, Robert E. Lee Memorial.
Grace Hagerman and Marisa Álvarez December 5, 2024

A Greek-revival style mansion sits on top of a steep hill at Arlington Cemetery, overlooking the graves of those who have represented the U.S. in military uniform and their loved ones. In front of the...

Walking in history

Walking in history

Celebrating the niche histories of Washington communities.
Emma Pierce and Michelle Miramontes December 5, 2024

On Sept. 22, the sun shined on the open wood-floor reception area of the Sycamore & Oak venue in Congress Heights. Blown-up balloons of vibrant pink, orange, purple and green surrounded a baby-blue...

"A hidden gem"

“A hidden gem”

The Child Development Center served the AU community for decades. What happens now that it’s gone?
Kyle Galvin, Staff Writer December 4, 2024

Lawrence McCarthy arrived home on June 17, not knowing he had just left his last shift at American University’s Child Development Center. McCarthy said he had been working at the center for 35 years;...

Inside AU's 2024 Orientation Program

Inside AU’s 2024 Orientation Program

First-years and orientation leaders reflect on issues with new four-day orientation format.
Sydnee Patak and Layla Younis December 4, 2024

On the first day of orientation, first-year Maya Hope Giermek went to get breakfast at the Terrace Dining Room. She stopped when she saw the line. It spanned from Bender Library, up the stairs through...

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