Recent Stories

Is Fashion Political?

Students and professors discuss protest, politics and fast fashion.

Marisa Alvarez, Derek Springer, Stevie Rosenfeld, Nika Sabzevari, and Grace Manson • December 29, 2025

This semester, The Hum spoke to students and professors at American University to gain insight on whether they think fashion is political. Junior Marley Joseph is editor-in-chief of Ego Magazine,...

Stemming Beyond R1

What does this classification mean for AU's STEM programs?

Ben Ackman, Lilly Barnett, Sophia Berumen, Conny Galvez, Chase Gorman, Miles Hazo, Henry Humes, Ali Mahlowitz, Natalie Monga, and Clair Sapilewski • December 29, 2025

This semester, AWOL’s multimedia team investigated what American University’s recent R1 designation status means to faculty and students, and how funding and administrative support helped research...

Professor’s exit fits national pattern of Title IX falling short

Title IX offices routinely fall short of student concerns, prioritize universities, experts said.

Ava Ramsdale, Staff Editor • December 11, 2025

After two American University professors and one student filed six sexual-misconduct reports about Wesley Lowery, they said they are disappointed with the speed and lack of communication from the Office...

60 miles on C&O

Walking from D.C. to West Virginia reveals the ongoing value of a historic trail.

Clair Sapilewski, Staff Editor • December 9, 2025

By mile 46, I could recite the sentence that begins the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail’s informational signage: “Stretching from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland, the Chesapeake...

Pink Noise takes center stage

Women in Audio highlights women and queer artists with an on-campus music festival

Miles Hazo, Multimedia Contributor and PR Staff Member • November 24, 2025

A crowd dressed in pink gathered to watch artists Ella Jane and American University junior Alizeh Jawaid perform as part of Pink Noise, an on-campus music festival on Oct. 17. They performed at the...

Charlie Kirk’s legacy celebrated, debated at vigil

Organizers of a Sept. 15 vigil for the slain conservative activist said Kirk was an early political inspiration to them. Others came to protest Kirk’s views.

Ben Ackman, Photography Producer • November 20, 2025

When Luke Brown first discovered Charlie Kirk, he said, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, through a YouTube video that just came up on his phone. “It was in the like, you know, ‘Conservative...

Thousands gather for No Kings protest in Washington

Washingtonians rallied together to protest against recent policies put in place by President Donald Trump.

Conny Galvez, Sophia Berumen, Ben Ackman, and Lilly Barnett • November 20, 2025

Thousands of people came together in front of the Capitol building on Oct. 18, holding signs and chanting in protest of the Trump Administration. “I think democracy is under threat, the...

New CSI policy for clubs causes delays and confusion

AU’s Center for Student Involvement added 55 pages of new policies this semester, including a non-discrimination policy. While some clubs tackled continuing delays, others were forced to reexamine their clubs' identity.

Stevie Rosenfeld, Staff Editor • November 10, 2025

Editors’ note: Over the summer, the Center for Student Involvement rejected AWOL’s application for re-registration. No one who was in correspondence with CSI over AWOL’s re-application was involved...

Tracking American University’s response to Trump’s higher education policies

From walkouts to memos to name changes, AWOL is tracking students', faculty members' and administrators' responses to federal policies.

Kyle Galvin and Ben Ackman • November 4, 2025

President Donald Trump’s higher education policies have shaken universities across the nation, with impacts ranging from reduced research funding to eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The...

Celebrating Go-Go and Cumbia in the District

Washington’s official music genre meets traditional Colombian rhythms for a night of dancing at Anthem Row.

Miles Hazo, Multimedia Contributor and PR Staff Member • October 27, 2025

District residents gathered at Anthem Row on Sept. 14 to watch live music at GoGo & Cumbia, an event highlighting the vibrant go-go and cumbia music scenes in Washington and the active community of...

A university layoff has left an advanced microscope unused

Months after AU achieved R1 status, research and student opportunities are hindered without her expertise.

Clair Sapilewski, Staff Editor • October 22, 2025

In the basement of American University’s Hall of Science sits an instrument powerful enough to image the inner workings of a single cell. Right now, logbooks show it’s going unused. The device...

Charges, Contracts and Campaigns: The Saga of Ward 8’s Council Seat

D.C. Councilmember Trayon White’s alleged acceptance of bribes led to his expulsion – and an unclear political future in Ward 8

PJ Cunningham, Staff Writer • May 18, 2025

Former Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White is running for his seat again after councilmembers unanimously voted him out on Feb. 4 following bribery charges. White announced his re-election campaign in...

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