George Mason University is committed to protecting academic freedom and freedom of speech on our campus and in our education programs, and to fostering an innovative and inclusive academic community committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world.
George Mason educates students to be prepared for the workforce: solving complex problems, thinking critically about a diverse world, and endeavoring to contribute to the public good. Such critical capacities must always be informed by evidence, knowledge, and inquiry.
University faculty, staff, and students represent and embrace many ideas and viewpoints across origin, identity, circumstance, and thought. In recent years, there has been an increase in harassment targeted at members of the university community across the ideological spectrum, especially on social media. George Mason is committed to the safety and well-being of everyone who works at the university. These situations can be alarming and disruptive for the individual being targeted and their academic or administrative units, including leadership.
This resource contains essential information about what to expect and the George Mason resources available to faculty members who may receive negative attention through phone calls, emails, or social media. The university wants to ensure faculty’s health, safety, and well-being are addressed first and foremost, and provide an environment for independent expression of vital points of view.
Assess the Threat
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If there has been a direct threat of immediate physical violence, call 9-1-1 immediately.
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If there has not been a direct threat of immediate physical violence, yet if you believe the actions of the harasser are criminal, please contact George Mason University Police at 703-993-2810 and/or the non-emergency number of your local jurisdiction. They will assess any ongoing threats and initiate appropriate investigative follow-up.
Safety and Well-being Come First
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Report the incident(s) on George Mason’s Violence Awareness and Prevention website to initiate a review by the appropriate university department or officials.
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Tell your department chair/local academic unit head and your dean’s office about your concerns so that they can help you marshal resources, engage leadership and other administrative units as necessary, and assist with implementing safety and response plans.
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If you believe you are being targeted because you belong to a particular demographic group, consider speaking with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to learn about your options.
Preserve and Share Relevant Evidence
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Save any emails, voicemails, or text messages you receive.
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Take screenshots of relevant social media posts and other online comments. If possible, include the message, the sender/poster, the online location, and the date and time. If it is too difficult to do this yourself, ask someone else to help you.
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Keep the screenshots in a safe location.
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Be mindful that emails, texts, and other writings may be considered public records and subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests/disclosure.
Attend to Your Mental Health and Well-being
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These situations can be stressful. You can access personal support services via Employee Relations in HR or the Employee Assistance Program.
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Reporting the incident will connect you with the appropriate university response teams, departments, and/or officials. Once connected, you can discuss available options, including securing your online presence, minimizing the harassment (e.g., disabling or privatizing your social media profiles, blocking certain profiles, etc.), considering additional safety precautions, determining a communications plan for leadership or others who might be affected (including responding to media inquiries), and evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of responding in your specific situation.
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For additional information that might be of assistance, please see Faculty Harassment Resources.