Is there an immediate physical threat? Call 9-1-1.
If the threat is not immediate but you believe it to be criminal:
- Under MA law, threatening, stalking and harassing behavior, including over electronic communication and social media, is punishable by law.
- File a report with the UMass Amherst Police Department (UMPD). They maintain confidentiality and can help the faculty member coordinate with other campus organizations. You may be able to obtain a temporary restraining order through the courts, etc. UMPD reports that faculty are often hesitant to contact them. They encourage faculty to contact them directly and immediately so that they can help them assess the situation. If faculty are not sure if it is an emergency, call their non-emergency number, which is staffed 24/7.
- 413-545-2121 (Non-emergency)
- 413-545-3111 (Emergency)
- @email (phone preferred to initiate an investigation)
Contact the Dean’s Office to facilitate the physical relocation of assigned classrooms and/or office space if deemed necessary.
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Academic Freedom Crisis Toolkit
- Steps
- Resources
- Solutions
- Assess Immediate Security Concerns
- Collect the Details
- Activate a Support System
- Communicate
- Options for Responding to Harassment
- Set Expectations with Faculty Member
- Public Records Requests
- Harassment Regarding Teaching or Classroom
- Longer Term Prevention and Preparation
- Other Relevant Referrals