Social media platform Yik Yak started as a place for students to vent their university qualms and post experiences to anyone within a five-mile radius, without identifying themselves.
The anonymous messaging app, however, has since received significant criticism for being a hub of online harassment and harmful behaviors.
Now, cyberbullying on the platform is affecting the UP community.
In late January, a student’s personal information, including their name, dorm number and vehicle, was revealed on Yik Yak, according to Michael McNerney, director of Campus Safety and Emergency Management.
Inappropriate comments about the student escalated to “doxing and online harassment,” McNerney says.
Campus Safety has an ongoing investigation into this case, and it was referred to UP’s Title IX office, according to McNerney. He expects the case to be finalized by next week.
Since then, several other incidents of cyberbullying on the app have been reported to Campus Safety and the Dean of Students Office.
In a March 13 email to the university community, Vice President for Student Affairs Alvin Sturdivant addressed the escalation of online harassment following an uptick of student reports.
“It got to a point where I was hearing about [cyberbullying] really routinely, and it suggested to me that this is becoming a bigger issue, and one that really needed to be addressed to the entire student body, which is the origin of that communication,” Sturdivant said.
He wrote that cyberbullying, harassment or harmful commentary directed at others through online platforms is inconsistent with the university’s Holy Cross values and the “Life on the Bluff” code of conduct, and will not be tolerated.
“Students who engage in bullying or harassing behavior, whether online or in person, will be held accountable and disciplined in accordance with university policies,” Sturdivant wrote in the email. “The University of Portland is committed to ensuring that every student can live, learn and participate in campus life free from intimidation, harassment or harm.”
While consequences of violating the code of conduct are determined on a case-by-case basis, Sturdivant says that they can warrant suspension from the university or privileges like leadership roles or on-campus housing.
Instances of harassment or cyberbullying may also implicate Title IX policies or other legal standards, according to Sturdivant.
McNerney mentions this as well. He says that while state and federal laws offer protections against online harassment, universities do not need as much evidence to take action. Behavior that might not meet the legal standard for a crime can still violate campus policies and lead to disciplinary consequences. He urges students to be mindful of what they post online.
“There’s no such thing as pure anonymity on the internet,” McNerney said. “Our actions always have consequences, and our words always make an impact.”
Kali Ilnickij, a junior political science major, is a Yik Yak user. While she says doesn’t condone online harassment, she believes that the app is an important way for students to stay updated with the community.
“I don’t write anything, but I like to see what the people are saying,” Ilnickij said.
Even if students aren’t participating in online harassment, they still have a role in dismantling inappropriate behavior, Sturdivant says.
If an individual encounters harmful content online, he urges them to use the necessary tools to remove it or report it to an on-campus resource, including Campus Safety, the Health & Counseling Center or Campus Ministry.
On the app, Sturdivant says if an offensive post receives a small number of downvotes, it can be removed. As Yik Yak mentions on its site, “If the herd does not like it, the post will not last.”
“Use those tools, report what you see and support those who may be targeted,” Sturdivant wrote in the email. “A strong community is one that looks out for one another and refuses to allow harmful behavior to go unchecked.”
While the university continues to gather information and investigate these issues, Sturdivant says that on-campus resources are available to support individuals experiencing harassment, bullying or intimidation of any kind.
Kaylee Monahan is the Copy and Opinions Editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at monahan26@up.edu.
