Penn University Life recently launched a webpage offering guidance for student activity on anonymous platforms.
The division outlined information about platforms where users with a University email address are able to join a “Penn-specific feed” — such as Sidechat. In a statement to The Daily Pennsylvanian, a University Life spokesperson wrote that the “guidance is intended to address an increase in student concerns about activity on anonymous platforms and its impact on well-being and campus climate.”
The guidance was developed through a collaboration across the division and campus partners and was “informed by student reports and ongoing conversations with teams focused on student support and safety,” according to the spokesperson.
Content on anonymous platforms should not be “assumed to be accurate or official” because “Penn does not post on Sidechat,” according to the webpage. Posts on such platforms spread quickly and may contain “misinformation, harassment, or harmful content.”
“While these platforms are not operated by the University, the effects of what happens on them can be felt within our community,” the spokesperson wrote.
The division explained that it can be more difficult to “step in, offer support, or hold people accountable” when posts are anonymous. Regardless, it emphasized the importance of accountability, pointing to “consequences for inappropriate behavior.”
Some content posted online may go “against” values of “respect, curiosity, and open conversation” that Penn is “built on.” In the guidelines, the division writes that posts on Sidechat “do not represent the University.”
With the new guidance, University Life aimed to “provide clarity on expectations, reinforce Penn’s community standards in online spaces, and ensure students know how to access support and reporting resources if they are affected,” according to the spokesperson.
The division directed students to Sidechat's support email should they come across “offensive” content. The platform reviews reports to determine whether to remove flagged posts.
In cases of a post that “may violate University policies,” Penn will “take action” when possible. If activity constitutes a criminal violation, Penn Police can investigate the situation and may “obtain user information to pursue criminal charges.”
University Life added that offensive posts on Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook can be reported to Penn’s Office of Audit, Compliance, and Privacy page on Online Harassment.
“If content on Sidechat or another platform affects your well-being or sense of safety, Penn offers a range of supportive and, in some cases, confidential resources to provide care and support,” the webpage reads.
Last month, Penn published its first draft of revised Guidelines on Open Expression, outlining initial proposals for procedures that will govern campus demonstrations and protests.
The new principles — “intended to protect a broad scope of speech and to ensure the inclusion of all Penn community members in their protections” — apply to all demonstrations, protests, rallies, and guest speaker events.
