In light of the recent return of ‘Yik Yak’ to the hands of Saint Anselm’s students, reports of bullying and harassment on the app have been taken to the college’s administration. In a letter from Dr. Susan Gabert. Dean of Students, and Marcie Vaughn, Title IX Coordinator, the two share the action the college is willing to take to put a stop to the distasteful side of Yik Yak’s use.

Below is the letter from Gabert and Vaughn:

“You are likely aware of the return of Yik Yak, the social media application that allows any user within a certain geographic radius to post and comment anonymously. While Yik Yak has positive uses including spreading news, funny experiences, shout outs, and jokes within a mature and responsible local audience, it also has a darker side. On our campus, it is being used by people who are lurking in the shadows of anonymity to degrade, harass and bully students, staff, faculty, and members of the monastic community. This is deeply harmful.

 Words have consequences. Being targeted on Yik Yak can impact a person’s mental health and well-being, leading to feelings of vulnerability, anxiety, and isolation. The stream of derogatory comments and personal attacks erodes self-esteem, leads to social withdrawal, and triggers depression. Moreover, the fear of being scrutinized and judged by peers can create a sense of hypervigilance, making it difficult for individuals to feel safe or focus on daily life. For those already struggling with self-doubt or insecurity, the cruel words and actions of others can reinforce their deepest fears and insecurities. 

To our students who are being victimized, we are here for you. Ask for support. We care deeply for you and will take all steps available to protect you. 

To our faculty and staff who are being targeted: Please know that the administration stands with you. We recognize that you pour your hearts and souls into teaching, mentoring and supporting our students. Their cruelty and disrespect to you is utterly unacceptable, and their ugly behavior contrary to the Benedictine values of hospitality and respect. 

To those who are using Yik Yak as a vehicle for casual and cowardly cruelty, we ask this: “Is this who you really are?” We believe you can be better.

 Because Yik Yak is a third-party application, it is often difficult for the College to identify specific users and link them to certain posts. This is why we are calling on the entire college community to change the narrative on Yik Yak by rejecting sexually degrading, bullying and threatening comments, as well as posts that glorify drug and alcohol use and negate the positive community we cherish.

 If you are using Yik Yak, here are some steps you can take:

• Create quality content.
• Be engaged in your community and preserve what’s best through up-votes and downvotes.
• Take a stand against cowards by calling out bullying and harassment as wrong and unacceptable. If you feel able to take action, consider the following: 
• If you see a bullying or harassing comment that identifies a specific student by name, picture or other identifying information, report it to Yik Yak. We understand that they will take it down. 
• If you see general bullying or harassment that doesn’t identify a person, make it known that you reject that behavior as inappropriate, hurtful and inconsistent with our college values and culture. • Provide information about the help available for victims of sexual misconduct: 

▪ CONFIDENTIAL help is available at The Harbor, on the ground level of the Jean Student Center. Drop by or email Nicole Kipphut: [email protected] 

▪ Support, resources and information about sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct is available through Title IX, on the 2nd floor of Alumni Hall. Email Marcie Vaughan: [email protected] 

Yik Yak users should also know that we will work with local law enforcement to obtain search warrants to identify individuals engaging in criminal activity. We will vigorously pursue criminal charges to punish those who break the law and deter further unlawful conduct. Furthermore, your digital footprint is not always as anonymous as you may think. Your words today could impact your employment prospects tomorrow. 

Saint Anselm is known for its Benedictine values of hospitality, respect, and service to others. We are a learning community that encourages the lifelong pursuit of the truth and fosters intellectual, moral and spiritual growth. These values should be reflected in all aspects of our lives, not just when we think others are watching. 

Sincerely, 

Susan Gabert, Vice President for Student Development & Mission/Dean of Students Marcie Vaughan, Ex. Dir. Equal Opportunity Programs & Title IX Coordinator”