University aims to raise awareness of 24/7 hotline for discrimination, bias, and host of other issues

In recent weeks, community conversations involving students, faculty, and staff have made clear that members of the university community aren't sure where to report complaints or concerns related to harassment, discrimination, or other unacceptable behavior that takes place at Johns Hopkins.

In the wake of those conversations, Johns Hopkins University and Health System are working to elevate the profile of several key resources, particularly the SPEAK2US hotline.

The SPEAK2US hotline, launched in 2016, is geared toward the university and health system communities, though anyone can use it to register a concern. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week via an online form or by phone at 844-SPEAK2US (844-773-2528).

The university and health system are launching a campaign to raise awareness of the hotline—particularly among students—through social media, on-campus digital monitors, and other venues.

"We've heard personal accounts from members of our Johns Hopkins community who have felt threatened or treated unfairly and aren't sure where to raise a concern or register a complaint," said Ronald J. Daniels, president of the university. "Students, faculty, and staff need to know that we take these issues seriously and want to welcome and urge reporting so that incidents can be addressed."

The SPEAK2US hotline is just one of several important Johns Hopkins resources available to file reports or complaints. Other resources include the Office of Institutional Equity, Campus Safety and Security, and the Johns Hopkins Student Assistance Program.

Individuals are asked to make a report to the SPEAK2US hotline if they experience or suspect:

• Discrimination or harassment
• Racial or gender bias
• Workplace abuse and/or violence
• Faculty, student, or staff misconduct
• Violations of policy
• Violations of the student conduct code
• Noncompliance with laws and regulations
• Fraud, waste, or other abuse
• Conflicts of interest
• Any other ethical or legal concerns

Reports of any type made through the SPEAK2US hotline are received by a third-party vendor, reviewed by impartial individuals at Hopkins, and directed to the appropriate university or health system representative for resolution and/or follow-up. Reports can be made anonymously, and every effort is made to handle complaints with objectivity and discretion.

Additionally, anyone who reports a concern in good faith cannot be subject to adverse action, including separation, demotion, suspension, or loss of benefits in retaliation for filing a report.

The hotline is open to all Johns Hopkins University faculty, staff, and students. It is also open to faculty and staff throughout the Johns Hopkins Health System, including its six hospitals, Johns Hopkins Community Physicians, and other member organizations. Members of the broader community can also use the hotline to report a complaint or concern.

Additional resources

• Office of Institutional Equity, 410-516-8075 (nonconfidential)—OIE leads efforts to ensure the university is inclusive and free from harassment and discrimination, and it is also responsible for coordinating the investigation and adjudication of all matters related to sexual misconduct across all campuses.

• Campus Safety and Security, 410-516-7777 (emergencies) or 410-516-4600 (non-emergencies)—Members of the Johns Hopkins community can report security-related concerns through the LiveSafe app or the security website.

• Johns Hopkins Student Assistance Program, 443-287-7000 or 866-764-2317—Serves graduate, medical, and professional students in most non-Homewood divisions; eligibility information can found online.

• JHU Counseling Center, 410-516-8278—Serves full-time undergraduates and graduates on the Homewood campus, as well as Peabody students.

• Sexual Assault Helpline, 410-516-7333 (confidential)—A confidential, 24/7 service available to all Johns Hopkins University students. The helpline is staffed by professional counselors and provides confidential assistance to those affected by sexual misconduct. Callers may remain anonymous. All calls to the helpline are confidential and do not constitute making an official report of sexual misconduct to the university.

• The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, 443-997-7000—Serves university faculty and staff, as well as residents and postdocs at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Bayview.

• Safe at Hopkins, 443-997-7000—Addresses disruptive workplace behaviors, including bullying, stalking, threats, and violence.

• University Health Services–Mental Health, 410-955-1892—Serves full-time Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing students, as well as Johns Hopkins Hospital and Bayview house officers and postdoctoral fellows.