Students Demand Suspension of Professor Amid Epstein Allegations

American University students stage walkout over unverified claims against former US ambassador

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Students at American University's School of International Service staged a protest and walkout this week after unverified accusations involving a professor and former U.S. ambassador surfaced in the Justice Department's release of millions of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The students are demanding the suspension of Professor Earl Wayne, the former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina and Mexico, until a full criminal investigation is launched and completed.

Why it matters

The Epstein case has raised concerns about potential abuse of power and the need for thorough investigations, even of high-profile individuals. The students' demands highlight the tension between protecting academic freedom and ensuring campus safety in the face of unverified allegations.

The details

The allegations against Wayne stem from a 2019 tip to the NYPD, which claimed he had an 'involvement with an underage girl' in Mexico in 2014 at an event organized by Epstein. The tipster alleged the girl became pregnant and that a U.S. Marine served Wayne's life sentence in Mexico on his behalf. However, an investigation by American University found the allegations to be 'baseless and malicious fabrications'. Despite this, students are calling for Wayne to be suspended without pay until a full criminal investigation is completed.

  • In July 2019, less than a month before Epstein's death, the NYPD received the tip about Wayne's alleged involvement.
  • On February 7, 2026, students staged a walkout at American University's School of International Service.

The players

Earl Wayne

A professor at American University's School of International Service and former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina under the Bush administration and Ambassador to Mexico under the Obama administration.

Adah Nordin

An American University student who helped organize the walkout.

Tanishka Khanna

Another American University student who helps organize the protest.

Walter Harkins

An NYPD detective who received the 2019 tip about Wayne's alleged involvement.

American University

The university where the student walkout took place and where an investigation found the allegations against Wayne to be 'baseless and malicious fabrications'.

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What they’re saying

“We don't know what's going on, and that makes us feel unsafe. As someone going to class and getting a diploma from SIS, we deserve to know.”

— Adah Nordin, American University student (The Wash)

“How dare you call me. Don't let me hear from you again.”

— Walter Harkins, NYPD detective (The Wash)

“We want the university to push for a criminal investigation, for him to be suspended without pay while it goes on, transparency on the process. Survivors need to feel safe on campus.”

— Tanishka Khanna, American University student (The Wash)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the Epstein-related investigations will determine if a full criminal probe into the allegations against Professor Wayne is warranted.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges universities face in balancing academic freedom and campus safety when dealing with unverified allegations, even against high-profile individuals. The students' demands for transparency and a thorough investigation reflect the need for institutions to address concerns about potential abuse of power and ensure a safe learning environment.