This page provides information for employees who receive unwelcome online, email or telephone communications that they believe are threatening or harassing. Responses may differ depending on whether the messages threaten harm to people or property, as opposed to those that are harassing but do not contain a threat, and on whether a recipient is receiving a barrage of messages or just a few.
 

If you are uncomfortable with any communications you receive, many resources are available to you. These include your manager, your Human Resource Representative, the Employee Assistance Program (KGA, 877-327-4278), Harvard Ombuds Office (617-495-7748), your HUCTW representative.

Is the communication threatening (meaning: does it express a specific intent to injure a person or a person’s property)?
 

If NO: the RECIPIENT can choose to: (a) ignore the message; (b) request that the caller/sender stop all contact and warn that Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) will be informed if contact does not stop; (c) notify HUPD at 617‐ 495‐1212; (d) reach out to their manager and HR representative, who can help the recipient navigate through this process. The HR representative can also work with the HUPD and/or Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) to investigate additional options.
 

If YES:  the RECIPIENT should immediately notify HUPD, their manager, and their HR rep. The manager and HR representative can help the recipient navigate through this process. The recipient also may choose to: (a) request that the caller/sender stop all contact and warn that HUPD will be informed if contact does not stop; and (b) ask HUPD to issue a cease and desist notification. The HR representative can also work with the HUPD and/or HUIT to investigate additional options.