Gilets Jaunes Demonstrations Update to Students

This post is a republished version of an email communication sent by AUP President Celeste Schenck to current students on December 13, 2018, about the Gilets Jaunes demonstrations. It is part of our Safety & Security blog that rounds up all the latest news and updates for our community.

Dear AUP Students, 

As Act 5 of the Gilets Jaunes demonstrations appears to be on for this coming Saturday, the University's position remains the same as last week:  we recommend strongly that all AUP students shelter in situ for the 24 hour period of the Saturday demonstrations. Since it is likely that the group will begin to splinter in its demands, and that more moderate demonstrators may stay home, we anticipate that the more virulent of the protesters, accompanied by those who are there to break and to loot, will be out in full force. Please make plans today to receive friends, go to friends' apartments, or stay in Saturday, bringing in groceries to get you through the critical period of Saturday morning to Sunday morning.  Although Marc Montheard and I were very relieved not to get one call on the hotline last weekend, we will man it again. If you have any worries or concerns over the weekend, please call our emergency number:  0611687644.  If you have any concerns relating to your apartment and you are a COH-housed student, you can call their emergency line at: 0609792430. 

We are concerned that the demonstration will be unauthorized, decentralized, and unpredictable, and will thus again close the University on Saturday. We understand that it is a hardship for many of you during reading days and exam week not to be able to go to the library Saturday or use computer labs. Late hours will be maintained on Friday and Sunday, so please think carefully about what materials, software, and support you will need on those days. permitting you to work from home on Saturday. The Library will be open from 9h30 am on Sunday through 2 am.  

Here are building hours for the weekend:  

While these demonstrations are not aimed in any way at you, and do not represent a danger--should you stay out of harm's way and not put yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time--tensions are high in France at the moment. If you feel your equilibrium has been a bit shaken by recent events, please remember that the Student Development team is very much present today, tomorrow, and right up until we close for the holidays next week to support you.  

Wishing each of you a successful exam period, and a solid rest when you return home over the holidays!  

Warmest, 

Celeste Schenck