This is an ongoing story. The Plainsman will update as further information is received.
On Sept. 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., Auburn University released a statement via social media stating that "[T]here are Auburn University employees who made social media posts that were hurtful, insensitive and completely at odds with Auburn's values of respect, integrity and responsibility [...] We are terminating the employment of those individuals. We unequivocally condemn this conduct, which is antithetical to values we hold dear in the Auburn Creed."
When asked for a statement for The Plainsman, Jennifer Adams, Vice President for Public Affairs, Communication & Marketing for Auburn University, responded with the same statement that was posted to social media.
Auburn's employee relations policies have a clear layout of what's acceptable and what isn't. Section 8.3 is titled "Employee Conduct and Job Rules," in which 8.3.3 or "Group I" lays out immediate discharge rules for employees. They are as follows:
- Intimidating or intentionally imposing on the rights and privileges of other employees.
- On University property, drinking intoxicants or using drugs particularly when there may be an adverse effect or danger to other employees.
- Changing or otherwise falsifying or forging any University records, permits, time cards or time sheets, licenses, certifications, passes, badges, or the approving signatures thereon.
- Indulging in grossly offensive, obscene, or immoral conduct.
- Deliberately restricting production output and/or University operations or concealing defective work.
- Stealing or misappropriating University property or property belonging to other employees.
- Intentionally defacing or damaging University property or the property of other employees.
- Fighting on University property or creating disturbances which adversely affect morale, production, studies, or discipline.
- Any other actions not listed in a-h above but considered by the University as constituting major misconduct, insubordination, gross negligence, or gross disregard of obligation to the University. Such actions will include violation of another employee's protection against discrimination or harassment as set out in the Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Policy of Auburn University.
Auburn's code of conduct also lays out an outline of Auburn's values. The three values laid out are: integrity, respect and excellence. All three pages have specifics laid out in the 10 page document, however there's also a brief overview that states "Integrity: We will pursue our work with honesty, professionalism, and ethics that foster trust and accountability. Respect: We will honor the rights and dignity of others and work each day to create an environment where people are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged. Excellence: We will pursue our work with distinction, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to advancing Auburn’s mission."
At this time, the individuals' identities remain unknown to the Auburn University community.
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Brychelle Brooks, senior majoring in public and professional writing with a minor in information systems, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since August 2023. She previously served as the Campus Reporter, Opinion Editor and Newsletter Editor. She is currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief.
