UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As fall semester classes begin, Penn State is reminding faculty members of support resources and guidance that are available to help them navigate potential issues that may surface on social media related to their scholarly work and associated activities.
To support faculty who may experience threats, intimidation or harassment on social media, the Office of Faculty Affairs is highlighting its updated “Social Media Support and Resources for Penn State Faculty.” The document, originally issued in 2020, is designed to help respond to situations in which faculty members are targeted by individuals or groups based on the content of their scholarship, teaching, opinions, clinical care or service.
“At Penn State, we are fully committed to supporting and protecting our faculty members’ academic freedom,” said Tracy Langkilde, interim executive vice president and provost. “I want our faculty to know that we are here for them and there are resources, guidance and support networks available if the public discourse around their scholarship crosses the line into threatening or harassing behavior online.”
The document offers resources and advice not only for individual faculty members, but also for academic unit administrators such as department heads, division heads, school directors, associate deans for academic affairs and chief academic officers; college or campus strategic communications directors; unit executives such as deans and chancellors; and central administrative leaders.
The document includes instructions on safety, a section on managing harassment, a faculty safety and support checklist, links to offices and units that can assist faculty, references to Penn State policies and procedures, and other resources and referrals. It also includes guidance on when to report harassing activity and to whom; when and how to seek assistance from University offices like Strategic Communications, University Police and Public Safety, Human Resources, or the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access; and tips for responding to threatening posts or messages, among other resources.
“This document is grounded in Penn State’s steadfast support for academic freedom and freedom of expression. The free exchange of ideas, as part of teaching, research, and related scholarly and creative work, is paramount to the University’s mission,” said Senior Vice Provost Kathy Bieschke. “Academic freedom is protected by University policy, and, like all citizens, faculty members enjoy free speech protections. As such, any targeting of scholars for their ideas and views is unacceptable.”
The document was adapted from a similar guide developed by the University of Iowa for its faculty. Several units and individuals contributed to Penn State’s version of the document, including representatives from the Academic Leadership Council, Behavioral Threat Management Team, Office of Educational Equity, Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, Office of Faculty Affairs, Faculty Senate, Fox Graduate School, Office of General Counsel, and Office of Strategic Communications.
For additional resources and support for Penn State faculty members, visit the Office of Faculty Affairs website.