Critical. Subversive. Irrepressible.

AWOL
Critical. Subversive. Irrepressible.

AWOL
Critical. Subversive. Irrepressible.

AWOL
A Metropolitan Police Department car sits on Massachusetts Avenue on Feb. 6.

Trump’s Takeover of Local Police Was New. D.C. Police Departments’ Rocky Relationship with Black Residents Wasn’t.

Despite an increase in fear, underlying problems in MPD’s policing of Washington’s Black residents already existed, data and advocate interviews show.
Will Sytsma and Stevie Rosenfeld • April 27, 2026

Five days after President Donald Trump took control of Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department, the abolitionist organization Harriet’s Wildest Dreams posted an Instagram video of a Metro Transit...

Lawyers can prosecute crimes as hate crimes at the D.C. Superior Court, but experts say they may not because of evidence complications and legal strategies.

Washington’s hate crimes law infrequently delivers justice

For over a decade, charges under D.C.’s Bias-Related Crimes Act remained few. In lieu of legal solutions, some groups are fighting hate at its roots.
Sydnee Patak and Emma Pierce • April 21, 2026

On Aug. 17, 2024, Christian Dingus and his partner entered the Shake Shack by Dupont Circle alongside a group of friends. But after Dingus and his partner shared a kiss while waiting for their food, a...

The door closes to the lobby of 3201 New Mexico Avenue, which houses American University's Office of Equity and Title IX.

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...

A handwritten sign outside the bathrooms in the Battelle-Tompkins building.

Eyes on Battelle’s bathrooms: Sign changes, surveillance cause controversy

After two restrooms’ sign changes went without notice, American University began to surveil those who restored its all-gender status.
Will Sytsma, Managing Editor • April 29, 2025

An American University history student had always considered the restrooms outside his office all-gender. The history student, who asked not to be named out of concern that speaking out could affect his...

Movers remove furniture from First-Year Advising office building Clark Hall on March 31.

First-Year Advising’s final days

As their office closes down, first-year advisors are reassessing their places at AU.
Ben Ackman, Photography Producer • April 23, 2025

In college, Roshan Abraham decided he could spend the rest of his life studying literature. “Back when I was an undergrad, people didn’t worry as much about the question of ‘What are you going...

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...

$16,182: AU's Wage Gap

$16,182: AU’s Wage Gap

New data sheds light on pay disparities at American University.
Benjamin Austin, Staff Editor • December 3, 2024

Male faculty are paid more on average than female faculty at American University, according to data released by the provost’s office in September 2023. A significant portion of the gap is due to men...

Arming AUPD in the Crosshairs

Arming AUPD in the Crosshairs

As American University considers arming its campus police, community members and experts weigh in on safety and budget concerns.
Will Sytsma, Managing Editor • November 22, 2024

Editor's Note: This article includes mentions of police brutality, particularly against BIPOC and disabled people. It also includes mentions of gun violence. Ben Austin contributed reporting to this...

Leasing litigation

Leasing litigation

Off-campus housing owners listed in price-fixing antitrust lawsuit
Helena Milburn and Alexia Partouche • April 15, 2024

Sarina Govindaiah, an American University junior who lives in the Berkshire Apartments, knew finding affordable housing in Washington, especially near campus was difficult. What she didn’t know is...

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