Elmhurst University’s YikYak Problem

An increase in bias-related incidents via social media platforms spurred Elmhurst University’s Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) to speak out recently. 

The BIRT sent an email imploring EU students to maintain civility on social media platforms and to stop and think before posting something that may be harmful to others. They cited a variety of platforms including Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and most notably: YikYak. 

YikYak is an anonymous social media app that connects students to others within their college campuses. The app has taken the EU campus by storm over the past year, with students taking to the platform to discuss campus issues ranging from parties to cafeteria food. 

Under the shroud of anonymity offered by YikYak, students can post virtually anything they can think of with little to no repercussions. 

This is why the app has been the source of many such cases of harassment reported by EU students over the past few semesters. These harassment incidents have largely focused on targeting people for their sexuality, race, gender identity, and mental or physical abilities. 

The email sent out by the BIRT emphasizes that people in these minority groups are protected under state and federal law, and that, “We do this not simply because it’s the law, but because it’s right and just and who we are as a community.” 

However, students who have felt the effects of this harassment firsthand beg to differ about that last point. 

An EU student who wishes to remain anonymous has come forward to share their experiences with being harassed by their classmates on YikYak and some of the damaging effects this has had on them. 

“I was bullied simply for being myself. I was harassed on my appearance, what I wore, and what I did,” the anonymous student recalled, “People were absolutely disgusting while describing things in their posts.” 

They went on to describe how this harassment continued for several weeks during the fall semester, mentioning a few specific posts that called them out by name, ensuring they knew they were the intended target of the vitriol. 

“They had zero regard for how I would feel if or when I saw it,” they said. “It’s easy when they can’t put a face onto their words.” 

The anonymous student said that they chose not to speak to anyone at EU about the defamatory posts, mainly because they didn’t want the harassment to get any worse. They also cited hesitance that EU could actually do anything to stop the behavior. 

Seemingly trying to quell these fears, in their email, the BIRT urges students to report bias incidents so they can be addressed “meaningfully” and links to a form where reports can be filed, even anonymously. 

“I honestly don’t think it will do any bad, but I don’t think it will do any good. I think that people will be too afraid to come forward,” said the anonymous EU student in reaction to the BIRT’s email. “When people talk about you in the way that they have several people on the app, it’s hard to speak on it.” 

With a majority of the students who come under attack on these social media platforms afraid to come forward and report these incidents of harassment, or even to speak to The Leader about what’s happened, it’s no wonder that skepticism has fallen onto the BIRT’s promises of meaningful action. 

“These are attacks on your character and your image, nothing that the incident response team will do will change the dreadful feeling of having everyone against you,” the anonymous student said of the BIRT’s efforts, “I don’t think they’ll be able to stop what people say when they are hidden behind a screen on an anonymous app.” 

YikYak users seem to agree. Since the email went out to students, a handful of posts have been made ridiculing the team. 

“Elmhurst thinking a task force can do shit to stop shit on this app is laughable,” wrote one anonymous user. 

Reaching out to The Leader via email, the Bias Incident Response Team expressed concern for the continued social media backlash and reiterated that students should exercise caution when posting online. 

“The University cannot control social media platforms or how people use them, nor would anyone want us to,” the BIRT said when discussing the intricacies of harassment via these social media platforms. 

“The fact that some platforms, like YikYak, let users post anonymously doesn’t lessen the impact on the people who are being subjected to bias, harassment or bullying. And it likely emboldens the ones who are doing the harm. It’s a difficult and frustrating situation that the Bias Incident Response Team continues to grapple with,” stated the BIRT. 

However, in the face of all that, the BIRT remains hopeful, reaffirming that the team is always there to support students, especially those who may be apprehensive about reporting what they’ve been through. 

“We understand that the decision to come forward can be intimidating, and one that takes courage and trust in the process,” the BIRT said, “But we can’t help unless we know. Reporting an incident is still the best thing a person can do—it can lead to action, accountability, and resolution.” 

The BIRT also says they’re working to earn the trust of the community through transparency in their process. “If a report is submitted to the Bias Incident Response Team, which includes a cross-section of campus representatives, the team will work with the person or people affected by the incident, to help determine the appropriate next steps.” 

“Meanwhile, we have a strict no-retaliation policy that carries heavy penalties and could lead to an investigation under the Student Code of Conduct or referred to Human Resources,” the BIRT assured. 

Ultimately, the BIRT says they’ve been doing this work with students for a while, and they don’t plan on stopping any time soon. “The team has been helping individuals to address such incidents for some time, and will continue to investigate reports and provide resources and support for all individuals impacted, including the broader Elmhurst U. community.” 

With the spotlight planted firmly on YikYak users and the administration alike, only time will tell how the EU community responds to this wave of online harassment, and if this is a turning point for the BIRT.