When a faculty member becomes the subject of a hostile news story or online campaign, the first hours often shape what follows. Faculty First Responders deliver assistance during that critical window.
About the resource
Founded by political scientist Isaac Kamola and directed by Heather Steffen, the project is supported by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). Its team monitors right-wing coverage of higher education and contacts faculty, students, staff, and administrators who have been targeted, offering resources and peer-to-peer advice.
The website collects practical guides, including Academic Freedom Self-Defense Basics, Crisis Communications 101, resources for administrators, and a bibliography for attorneys. A section titled “Usual Suspects” profiles the media outlets and organizations most often involved in campaigns against academics. The team also offers webinars and workshops on academic freedom and digital security for groups of academic workers.
From: Faculty First Responders, in partnership with the AAUP
For: Faculty, graduate students, staff, and administrators
Format: Guides, peer counseling, research, webinars, and workshops
Where to start
- Read Academic Freedom Self-Defense Basics before an incident occurs.
- Share the administrators’ resources with department chairs and deans.
- Contact the team directly if you or a colleague is being targeted.
The project asks how academic communities under pressure can keep critical spaces open. Collective support for those who are targeted is an essential part of that work.