Privacy for Individuals Submitting Reports

When a member of the Elon community makes a bias report through Elon University (online, in person or otherwise) the victim will retain control over their identity being released to other parties, unless ordered to do so by a court subpoena or as mandated by Title IX in cases of gender-based violence and harassment. Any person who reports an act of violence will be advised of campus notification procedures including federal reporting guidelines.

Below are the levels of privacy expectation with each reporting mechanism:

Public Record

A targeted person may file initial reports with law enforcement without filing charges.

  • Law Enforcement/Medical Emergencies: 9-1-1
  • Campus Safety and Police
    • Phone: (336) 278-5555 (24/7)
    • Oaks Commons, 416 North Williamson Avenue, Elon, N.C. 27244
  • Elon Town Police
    • Phone: (336) 584-1301
    • 104 South Williamson Avenue, Elon, N.C. 27244
  • Burlington Police Department
    • Phone: (336) 229-3500
    • 267 West Front Street, Burlington, N.C. 27215

Private

Every effort will be made in all reports and investigation to keep the identifying information of the individuals involved private. Reports are received by OIEED staff, Vice President of Student Life, Associate Provost for Inclusive Excellence, and forwarded to relevant identity spaces.

  • Through the Office of Inclusive Excellence Education & Development

Confidential

There are some limits to this confidentiality – if a child was involved in the attempted or completed incident or if the target/survivor is currently at risk for harming themselves or others.

  • Safeline: (336) 278-3333 (24/7)
  • Coordinator for Violence Response
    • Phone: (336) 278-5009
    • 314 Powell Building
  • Counseling Services
    • Phone: (336) 278-7280
  • Chaplains

Information Sharing and Limitations

The Office of Inclusive Excellence Education & Development welcomes to the opportunity to share de-identified information about reports submitted through the bias reporting system. Information that is shared by the office can include: the number of reports submitted, information about the types of bias and harassment that occur, and the conduct involved in bias incidents. For more information contact, Carla Fullwood.

Limitations

In cases where someone has acted on bias or harassed another individual and it is reported to the university, there are limitations to the details that can be shared with the community. In accordance with FERPA and other privacy regulations, Elon University including offices such as OIEED, Student Conduct, and Human Resources cannot share details about punitive resolutions such as loss of scholarships, mandatory educational measures, etc.

Freedom of Speech

Free expression of political and social opinions are protected by the First Amendment, Elon’s Academic Freedom Policy, and Elon’s Commitment to the Values of Freedom of Expression and Inclusivity. For this reason, even controversial expressions of political and social opinions are often unable to be met with disciplinary actions. However, in no way does this mean those statements are not harmful to individuals, identity groups, and to our broader campus community.

Freedom of speech does not mean that speech will go unchallenged or without consequences. If a member of the university community makes statements, uses language, or displays objects that devalue others based on their identity, the OIEED and campus partners will respond by providing support to affected individuals, educational engagement for those causing harm, and provide options for redress.