As provided in the American University administration’s memo on Military Recruiting on the AU Campus, the US military’s policy pertaining to service by transgender individuals in the military conflicts with AU’s values and policies on nondiscrimination in recruiting. However, we are compelled by a federal law known as the Solomon Amendment to allow military recruiters on campus so as to avoid the loss of federal funding, which includes federal student financial assistance and research grants.
AU strongly supports our students and alumni who have served, are currently serving, or wish to serve in the military, and those who support them. AU is also committed to nondiscrimination. We will uphold our values by educating the community on the military’s policy, the Solomon Amendment, and our commitment to nondiscrimination. AU’s policy on Guidelines for Freedom of Expression and Dissent provides detailed information on ways in which members of the community can express their views.
What is AU’s anti-discrimination policy?
“American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy or parenting, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under applicable federal and local laws and regulations (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities. The University expressly prohibits any form of discriminatory harassment including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and stalking.” Read our full Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy.
How is the military in conflict with AU’s anti-discrimination policies?
In April 2019, the Department of Defense effectively banned most transgender individuals from serving or enlisting in the military. AU does not support discrimination based on sex or gender identity, so the military is in conflict with our policy and the District of Columbia Human Rights Act.
Why is the military recruiting on American University’s campus?
We do not usually allow organizations that violate our anti-discrimination policy to recruit on campus. However, under a federal law called the Solomon Amendment, AU must allow the military to recruit on campus to avoid risking the loss of federal funding for student financial aid and research grants.
What can we do to uphold anti-discrimination policies that impact the AU community?
AU will continue to uphold our values by educating the community on the military policy banning transgender service members, the Solomon Amendment, and our commitment to anti-discrimination. Our policy on Guidelines for Freedom of Expression and Dissent provides detailed information on ways in which members of the community can express their views.
No, absolutely not! We are opposed to discrimination in all its forms. We strongly support our students and alumni who have served, are currently serving, or wish to serve in the military, and those who support them. The university is recognized by GI Jobs Magazine as a Military Friendly School and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which assists military veterans attend college.