Despite mission statements that highlight creating a welcoming environment for all, bullying is more prevalent in higher education than in other professions and industries. A recent report indicated that less than 10 percent of scientists report bullying.

Any member of a campus community may be subject to bullying. College and university campuses can often seem like small towns with high professional stakes. Individuals may be hesitant to report bullying out of fear of damaging relations or their professional reputations.

When people do report bullying, schools may attempt to minimize reported behavior. Bullies may claim their behavior or words were misconstrued or attribute the victim's version as the result of being overly sensitive or jealous.

What is Bullying?

One of the difficulties with bullying is no clear line, or hard definition exists for what constitutes bullying or creating a hostile work environment. Bullying can be physical, mental, or emotional. Harassing or intimidating behavior may be subtle or a series of actions that, taken alone, do not seem unusual.

How to Address Bullying

If you've been the victim of campus bullying and your college or university fails to take action, you do have additional avenues to address the problem.

Minimize Contact

Limit communication with your bully to what is strictly necessary. Communicate over text, email, or other options that create a written trail. When you do have to talk in person or over the phone, send a follow-up email recapping the conversation. You need to establish a trail of evidence.

Beware that some states limit your ability to record conversations without the permission of both parties. Before recording any conversations, make sure you won't be violating any campus policies or local laws.

Safety in Numbers

Avoid being alone with your bully or with a group that will support that individual. Keep friendly witnesses with you when you interact with the bully. They can provide additional evidence when you do report intimidating or harassing behavior.

Alternative Reporting

If the school fails to address bullying, find other people on campus to help you address the problem. They could be advisors, other department heads, or coworkers: Anyone who is in a position to support you.

Stick to the Facts

Bullying takes an emotional and mental toll. When reporting bullying, detail the abuse in a detached and logical manner. Fair or not, crying and getting angry may allow the school and your bully to minimize your claims because you're overly sensitive and emotional.

Legal Action

In some situations, you may need to enlist the help of outside legal counsel. They can help you determine how to resolve the problem. When bullying is severe and/or after you have attempted to follow the school's policies for reporting bullying without success, an experienced legal team may be your best option.

Stand Up to Your Bully (And Your Campus)

When you've been subjected to bullying on a college or university campus, you need to protect yourself. If your school has failed to address the problem, Attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm can help. Contact us at 888.535.3686 or online.