On October 17, 2019, the citizens of Lebanon took to the streets in a nation-wide solidarity strike against a corrupt government, economy spiraling towards collapse, and decades of mismanaged and ineffectual public services. The American University of Beirut suspended classes for several weeks in October and November, as hundreds of thousands filled the streets, and roads were blocked by protesters across the country. This entry focuses on the university’s communications response to the crisis in October and November 2019. The administration’s stewardship of the university during the critical and confusing first weeks of Lebanon’s October revolution was grounded in clear messaging revolving around these key principles: putting the safety of our community first; fostering unity, protecting freedom of expression, critical thinking, and dialogue; and continuing our mission of education and providing healthcare at our medical center. A crisis response team provided a clear chain of command and prompt decision-making, allowing the university to align action and messaging, using all available platforms to disseminate information.
From the Judges
The judges wish to express their great sorrow for all that the people of AUB and Lebanon had to endure during the strike. We hope that no other University ever has to live through something like this. If they do, AUB is a model of how to manage with grace, empathy, efficiency, and compassion while handling daunting logistics in order to continue to educate their students and care for their extended community.
