Critical Incidents in the Classroom & On Campus

When Critical Incidents Affect the Classroom

On occasion, incidents may occur within classrooms or across the campus community that circulate broadly through social media or other channels. Even when students are not directly involved, they may approach instructors with concerns and questions.

Critical incidents may include:

• Allegations of racism
• Sexual violence
• Unauthorized use of force by law enforcement
• Harassment based on immigration status

These events can have a significant emotional impact on students who were not direct participants or witnesses. Faculty, staff, and graduate students may also feel personally affected, and comfort levels with addressing these conversations can vary widely.

Responding to Critical Incidents

Instructors have expressed concerns about how to respond, given that they may not have sufficient information about the event, they may be unable to comment until the campus has completed its investigation, or they may simply feel hesitant to comment about something they have only heard about second- or third-hand. This resource is designed to help you communicate compassionately while setting clear boundaries if a student approaches you for a conversation or comment. You might consider the following actions and sample language: 

Action you might take:	Things you might say:
Acknowledge the student’s emotions and concerns	I can see that this is something that has affected you deeply and is having a real impact on you.
Connect with the student by letting them know that you care	I appreciate the trust you are putting in me. I care about your feelings and experiences. Where appropriate:I want you to know that I stand against racism / racialized violence / sexual violence / abuse of power / harassment / hate.
Clarify expectations by stating what you can and cannot do, and	At this point, I don’t have access to the information I need to feel comfortable having a conversation about what happened. Or, where appropriate:Unfortunately, even though I understand that information is circulating, I’m bound to respect confidentiality due to the sensitive nature of these events.
Refer the student to appropriate support resources (see possible resources below)	In the meantime, I can connect you with someone you can talk to in confidence about what you’re experiencing. We have staff here on campus who have the expertise and knowledge to help you navigate this. Would you like me to help you find the right resource?

We also recommend that you follow up with the student a day or two after the exchange in person or by email to ensure they have found the resources they need and to let them know that you remain concerned about their well-being.

See Also

Addressing Current Events
Trauma-aware and Wellness-oriented Teaching Practices
Reporting and Support Services for Faculty, Students & Staff
Supporting Students in Distress