Some Purdue professors experience wave of harassment

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — Some professors at Purdue University said they are worried about their safety after a recent string of what they believe are targeted cyberthreats.

It’s an issue Purdue police are taking seriously. Purdue professors do research on all kinds of topics, some of which are controversial, which is why professors said they are no strangers to harassment and even threats.

But lately, they said, the messages have become personal.

“People saying things like, ‘I hope you die,’” said Alice Pawley, a professor in the College of Engineering. 

“This is not what I signed up for as an academic. I should be clear, though. This is not just about me; it’s a broader issue. But no one should be subjected to that in their job,” said Pawley. 

The harassment she and her colleagues are experiencing is coming in various forms. She’s received threats through phone calls, email and on social media.

Purdue Police Chief John Cox said his department is aware of the threats.

“We absolutely do take it serious. You don’t know what you don’t know, right?” said Cox. 

He said these cases are tough to deal with because, too often, people wait until it happens a few times before reporting it.

“We need to have those reported and we need to have them in a timely manner and the evidence, the digital evidence, they need to save it,” said Cox. 

Pawley said she understands police can only do so much, but she believes there should be more support and resources for people experiencing harassment like this.

“I’m angry that the university, our university and other universities, tend to adopt a strategy of ‘Starve it of oxygen,’” explained Pawley. 

She said she only sees these types of attacks getting worse, which is why she hopes over time ramifications for people committing them get worse, too.

“They can do it and there is no consequence, except to us,” said Pawley.