Managing Online and Social Media Harassment
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to protecting the individual safety and wellbeing of the members of the campus community and strives to provide a safe and inclusive climate. As part of this commitment, Equal Opportunity and Access is charged with administering the University's Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence which prohibits discrimination and harassment, including online harassment.
What Constitutes Online and Social Media Harassment?
It is the use of information and communication technologies by an individual or group to repeatedly cause harm, threaten, defame, anger or humiliate, a targeted individual or group. There are many forms including sending messages, posting comments or images that are false, inflammatory, rude, inappropriate, harassing or threatening. It uses a wide range of communications technologies and social media platforms including public forums, discussion threads, private groups, and instant messaging apps and services.
What You Can Do if You Are a Victim of Online Harassment:
Preventing Online Harassment:
There’s a lot you can do to increase your personal cybersecurity and prevent online harassment from occurring. If you suspect the harassment is from someone outside of the UMass community, steps taken by individuals targeted by harassment can have the greatest impact on preventing and stopping harassment. This is because the University is not able to influence the management of external, independent social platforms where much of this harassment takes place.
Reporting Options if You Suspect the Harasser is a Member of the University Community:
Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA):
You are strongly encouraged to report online harassment to EOA which administers the University's Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence.
Students, staff or faculty with questions or concerns can speak with someone in EOA (413) 545-3464, visit the office, or email. Reports can be made online at Report A Concern.
- Describe the incident in detail.
- Share information of the party(ies) involved if known.
- Share which platforms are you being harassed on.
- Identify when the harassment began.
- Explain whether it is connected to something specific, such as an article, commentary or social media post.
The Student Conduct and Community Standard Office:
If you believe an incident is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct you are encouraged to submit a Student Conduct Referral.
The UMass Amherst Police Department (UMPD):
Emergencies: (413) 545-3111 or 9-1-1 and Non-Emergencies: (413) 545-2121. The UMPD also operates an Anonymous Tip Line to allow you to anonymously and confidentially report security and safety related concerns: (413) 577-TIPS (8477).