Overview
Across higher education, there have been instances of online harassment targeting faculty and staff. While this is uncommon, Ohio State condemns this behavior and is committed to supporting university employees and the leaders who are often best positioned to provide appropriate guidance.
Ohio State values free expression and is committed to protecting academic freedom and the First Amendment right to free speech. However, the right to free expression does not extend to speech that threatens violence or constitutes harassment.
Below is a guide on what differentiates harassment and trolling from simple criticism as well as resources that the university offers to impacted faculty and staff.
Relevant terms
Online harassment
Disagreements are common online and on social media, and they rarely tip over into harassment. But when conflicting opinions lead to threats and targeted, consistent and often coordinated attacks, it can turn into harassment. It’s important to note that most disagreements are not harassing behavior.
Doxxing
Doxxing is a form of harassment, where someone maliciously shares personally identifiable information online, such as home address, family details or phone number, of a person they’re harassing. While the information may technically be public, when sharing without permission it can become an invasion of privacy that can lead to further harassment.
Resources
Immediate Action
If you’re being harassed and feel that you are in immediate danger, you should dial 911.
For suspicious activity or non-emergency situations related to harassment, call The Ohio State University Police Division at 614-292-2121.
Most harassment does not lead to dangerous in-person activity, but that does not mean it should be ignored. It can still be upsetting and dangerous. It’s important to document work-related harassment and let Ohio State’s experts assess each situation.
Documentation
- Recording instances of harassment is important, because it provides evidence in case the situation escalates. You should:
Save any message you receive — via email, social media, voicemail, text, mail, etc. On social media, screenshot the harassment, as messages or comments can be edited or deleted. Note the date and time of each instance. - Connect with your direct supervisor, department chair or dean to coordinate any response or determine if action should be taken.
- Tell a friend or colleague.
Reporting
- If the harassment is based on a protected characteristic, such as race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, it may fall under the university’s Non-Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy, and may be subject to a duty to report. The Civil Rights Compliance Office can investigate reports and complaints, and faculty and staff can file a report to request a formal investigation.
- Report concerning behavior by a university community member to the Office of University Compliance and Integrity.
- Consider reporting the activity to the appropriate social media platform.
Other Steps You Can Take
- Consider “muting” social media channels, turning off notifications or making your profiles private.
- Contact the university to request removing your contact information or full profile from any university-owned websites and blocking or removing harassing emails sent to your university email account.
- Connect with your communications and marketing contact regarding any media requests.
Support
- Faculty and staff can utilize the Ohio State Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which includes counseling services. Students can use a variety of well-being resources including Counseling and Consultation Service, drop-in workshops, Let’s Talk informal mental health consultations and Uwill teletherapy.
- Faculty can contact Faculty Affairs (facultyaffairs@osu.edu) or the faculty ombudsperson.
- The Office of Technology and Digital Innovation (OTDI) offers resources and support to help Buckeyes with digital security and mitigate the risks of online harassment. This includes best practices for online safety and managing social media privacy settings.
Guidance for Supervisors
- If there is an immediate safety concern or threat, dial 911 or contact The Ohio State University Police Division at 614-292-2121. Express support for the employee and reaffirm Ohio State’s commitment to free speech, which does not extend to speech that threatens violence or constitutes harassment.
- Consider whether the employee’s workspace should be moved or if their contact information should be removed from university websites.
- Consult with your communications and marketing team to prepare any hold statements or monitor social media channels.
- Alert your Human Resources contact as well as any other university leaders or co-workers who may need to be prepared.
- Encourage the employee to take advantage of EAP and other university support.