Navigating Harassment: The Urgent Need for Training in Journalism Education

The role of a journalist is inherently public, exposing individuals to harassment and unwanted scrutiny. For student journalists, the challenges are even more pronounced, as their inexperience often makes them easy targets for ridicule and hostility. Veteran reporters may have developed coping mechanisms over time, but students often find themselves unprepared for the vitriol they encounter.

Emalyn Muzzy, a senior at the University of Minnesota, faced this reality while reporting for The Minnesota Daily. After reaching out to local business owners about the city’s lifted mask mandates, she received a condescending response that left her feeling belittled and unsupported. “I’ve never had someone be that condescending towards me,” she reflected. Muzzy’s decision to share the email on Twitter resulted in overwhelming backlash, highlighting the emotional toll such experiences can take.

Recognizing the rising harassment faced by student journalists, some educators are beginning to integrate training into their curricula. Meg Heckman, a professor at Northeastern University, is studying the issue to understand its impact on students. “There are far fewer people willing to let students practice interviewing,” she noted, emphasizing the growing hostility toward those identifying as journalists.

Experts like Karen Chasen advocate for comprehensive training on maintaining boundaries and recognizing harassment. “No story is worth your life or safety,” she advises students, urging them to prioritize their well-being.

Yet many journalism programs still lack robust training on these vital skills. Student journalists, like Vesper Henry from the University of Georgia, express the need for practical strategies for de-escalation and self-defense. “We need real conversations about mental health,” Henry stresses, particularly for marginalized journalists facing additional vulnerabilities.

As harassment becomes more prevalent, integrating these critical discussions into journalism education is essential to prepare the next generation of reporters for the realities of the field.