Institutional Responses to Threats and Harassment of Academics: Evidence From a Survey Among Political Scientists in Norway

Abstract

In an era marked by increasing polarization, academics face growing risks of harassment and threats, particularly when engaging in politically sensitive research or public discourse. This study investigates these challenges through a pilot survey of political scientists in Norway, focusing on harassment prevalence and institutional responses. Findings reveal that a small but significant share of surveyed political scientists reported experiencing harassment or threats over the past 5 years. Harassment frequently occurs digitally, with social media and online campaigns as common avenues. Institutional support appears inadequate, with few respondents indicating satisfaction with their institutions' guidelines for handling such issues. The study underscores significant negative impacts on academics' mental well-being, safety perceptions, and professional engagement. It also highlights the broader chilling effect on academic freedom, where fear of harassment deters scholarly inquiry and public participation. These findings stress the urgent need for universities to enhance support frameworks and safeguard researchers' well-being, particularly those investigating controversial topics. Future research aims to extend this analysis across different national contexts, to better understand the relationship between harassment of scholars, institutional arrangements, political discourses, and academic freedom.