The WC Police Department provides these safety tips specifically for Muslim students and students of Middle Eastern descent.

We strongly denounce any harassment or violence against anyone. People should not be singled out for hatred, prejudice or blame based on their ethnicity or religion. The Wellesley College Police Department will thoroughly investigate all reports of assaults, harassment, and hate speech directed towards Muslims, Jews, or people who are of Middle Eastern descent or who appear to be of Middle Eastern descent.

We recognize that Muslim students and students of Middle Eastern descent may experience harassment while traveling in the local area. If you are harassed or in any way threatened, immediately call 911 to report the incident. If you prefer to report the incident to the WC Police, you can do so by calling x2121 (Emergency: x5555). An officer will respond to document the incident and provide follow-up to the applicable police agency.

The WC Police have established a special liaison officer for the following student organizations:

Wellesley Arab Women

Al-Muslimat

Pakastani Students’ Association

Wellesley Associate for South Asian Cultures

• Immediately report any incident to the Wellesley College Police at x5555
• Harassing phone calls
• If you have caller ID, write down #
• Hang up
• Write down contents of call
• Call the WC Police
• Request an escort if you feel that you need one
• Contact Stone Center Counseling Services, your Head of House, or organization or faculty advisor for support.
• Report the incident to the campus Ombudsperson, Linda Brothers, x2240.

Off-Campus:

• Develop a heightened sense of security and awareness
• Do not leave campus if you can avoid it
• Do not go out at night, unless it is an absolute emergency
• If you must leave campus, travel with friends, a minimum of 2-3 people together
• Attempt to maintain a low profile
• Consider not wearing traditional dress
• If someone provokes you, do not react.
• If someone does harass or threaten you, get to an area where there are a lot of people, such as a store or a crowded street.
• Immediately call 911 if you are the victim of any incident or witness any incidents
• If you feel that you’re not getting the support you need, contact the WCPD as soon as possible and we will intercede on your behalf
• Report the incident on the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) Web Site (Incident Report)
• If you are driving, do not react; take down the license number, write down what happened and report it to the WCPD, ASAP