The President of the American University of Beirut, Fadlo Khoury, issued the following statement:
“Dear members of the American University of Beirut community,
I hope you are safe during these difficult circumstances. Like many of you, we learned early this morning of threats directed at American universities in the region. We have worked diligently to verify these reports and gather facts amid widespread rumors circulating in the media. Please rely only on official communications from the university for updates.
As of now, we have no evidence of direct threats against our university, its campuses, or its medical centers. At the same time, out of extreme caution, we will operate fully remotely on Monday and Tuesday, except for essential staff. Accordingly, there will be no on-campus classes or exams during these two days. The safety of our community and those we serve has always been, and will remain, our top priority.
At this moment, it is important to reaffirm what we stand for as an institution and what I personally represent. For over a century and a half, the American University of Beirut has stood for peaceful progress and the advancement of the people we teach and serve. For 160 years, it has been an inclusive, independent, and empowering institution, welcoming people of all religions, political affiliations, and backgrounds. Our medical centers continue to treat, heal, and care for people from all walks of life. We remain committed to these principles with the same steadfastness today.
Like many of you, I have spent my life rejecting all forms of violence, no matter the circumstances. I deeply believe in the principles embodied by Mahatma Gandhi—the right of all peoples to self-determination through peaceful means. This should be the role and mission of all educational and medical institutions worldwide.
We strongly urge all parties, without exception, to respect the neutrality of these institutions during conflicts.
We remain especially committed to education, medical care, and service for the most vulnerable at all times. At the American University of Beirut, we will not deviate from our mission because of threats or violence. Not now, and never.”
