The following is a statement from AAU President Barbara Snyder regarding the violence in Washington, D.C.:
The shocking violence that unfolded today at the United States Capitol is nothing less than an attempted coup, and every American should be horrified and humiliated by what is happening in the very seat of our democracy.
President Trump and his supporters in Congress should immediately denounce the violence; demand his supporters cease and desist; drop all efforts to disenfranchise American voters; and provide all assistance necessary to the U.S. Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies to restore order and ensure the safe completion of the counting of electoral votes.
America operates on the rule of law, not mob rule. On Jan. 20, Joe Biden will be sworn in as our nation’s next president, as dictated by our Constitution and the votes of the American people.
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Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 65 research universities transform lives through education, research, and innovation.
Our member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to our economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow’s visionary leaders and innovators.
AAU member universities collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society.