Threat Assessment Resources
Password: NolaVRA
Suicide Wayfinder Supplemental Guide
DarkFox Categories - Education
DarkFox Supplemental Interview Questions
Pathways Supplemental Guide
DarkFox Categories - Workplace
Pathways Research Citations
DarkFox Supplemental Interview Checklist
A Guide to Terminology in Risk/Threat Analysis
Eleven Key Questions to be Addressed in a Behavioral Threat Assessment
The Role of Warning Behaviors in Threat Assessment
Behavioral Threat Assessment Units
Social Media Basics
Threat Assessment Glossary
Beyond the Red Flags
The Evolving Nature of Threat and Violence Risk Assessment
Types of Threat
A Review of Incel-Related Cases
Risk, Protective, and Mobilization Factors Related to Violent Extremism
Costuming, Misogyny, and Objectification as Risk Factors in Targeted Violence
Safety in the Title IX Environment
Incel Terms and Descriptions
The Rise of the Incel Mission-Oriented Attacker
Advanced Interview Skills
Before the Interview: Get Context
Documentation and Case Notes
How Trauma Impacts the Brain
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Bias Mitigation
Emotional Intelligence
Impression Management
Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire
Building Rapport
Establishing Rapport
Trauma Reactions
Bystander Empowerment
Helping Student Veterans
Common Challenges for Minorities Accessing Mental Health Treatment
Referral Checklist and Service Audit
Creating Intervention Plans with Students
Working with Resistant and Difficult Students
Professor Dusty Harrington
Dr. Dusty Harrington is an associate professor of political science known for his sharp intellect, moral conviction, and provocative classroom style. His courses challenge students to examine systems of power, and his lectures often connect theory to current global events. Over time, his discussions have become more intense, reflecting his growing frustration with what he views as moral decay and institutional complacency. Students describe Dusty as both inspiring and intimidating. Some praise his ability to provoke thought and spark lively debate, while others report feeling uncomfortable with his tone or perspective. His recent focus on the Gaza conflict has drawn complaints from students and attention from administrators, who are concerned that his teaching has shifted from inquiry toward advocacy. Dusty sees this scrutiny as evidence that higher education has lost its courage to confront difficult truths. Outside the classroom, Dusty is active online, posting commentary that blends political analysis with moral outrage. He writes passionately about academic freedom, corruption in higher education, and the moral failure of silence in times of crisis. Colleagues have begun to express concern about his well-being and judgment, noting that his language and tone have grown darker and more urgent. To Dusty, these reactions only confirm that he is standing alone in defense of integrity and truth.
Donor flags Dusty’s public profile on a discussion board criticizing universities as “laundering conscience” and having “blood on their hands,” raising reputational concerns.
Dusty emails again after no response, suggesting the colleague may have been advised not to engage; forwarded to the Dean for awareness.
Mercer forwards Dusty’s writing sample and invitation to meet for coffee or a drink, asking for guidance after finding the message unusual.
Message from Dusty to a colleague expressing disillusionment with academia and proposing collaboration on an anti-establishment essay; forwarded to the Dean out of concern.
Dusty writes directly to the President about “moral and intellectual collapse,” asserting that his references to Gaza were censored and framing it as an academic freedom issue.
LeClair forwards Dusty’s “Moral Bankruptcy of the Modern University” draft, noting its shift in tone and expressing concern about its content.
Summary of concerns from students and colleagues about Dusty, recommending a preliminary meeting with HR and University Counsel.
Dean documents a meeting with Dusty and Department Chair Ellsworth about classroom climate, with a follow-up meeting planned.
Student Jordan Ellis reports that Dusty’s class feels like a political rally, citing repeated references to Gaza and “institutional cowardice.”
Institutional report showing strong overall ratings, with early notes about prolonged political commentary and a confrontational classroom tone.
Ella Moreau
Ella Moreau is a 21-year-old junior majoring in Mortuary Science. She’s intelligent, outspoken, and deeply passionate about reforming what she sees as the corrupt and environmentally harmful funeral industry. Ella’s social media presence reflects her activism, and she posts frequently about death care ethics, green burials, and industry greed. Her tone can be intense and sarcastic, sometimes crossing into language that others find alarming or disrespectful. In class, Ella is known for challenging her professor’s perspectives and for using provocative examples that blur the line between academic debate and personal criticism. Several faculty and students have expressed concern about her online posts and classroom behavior, describing her as “brilliant but confrontational.” Ella insists she’s being censored for her opinions and sees herself as exposing uncomfortable truths. She remains academically successful but increasingly isolated, frustrated, and mistrustful of authority. Outside of academics, Ella spends much of her time online, connecting with activist communities that share her environmental and anti-corporate beliefs. These groups validate her frustrations and reinforce her sense of moral urgency. While Ella presents confidence and conviction publicly, her writing and tone suggest fatigue and disillusionment, revealing someone who feels unseen and dismissed within the system she wants to change.
Ella’s post responding to a class prompt, questioning the professor’s approach and connecting course material to broader ethical and social issues.
Message questioning whether grading was influenced by Ella’s critical stance toward the funeral industry and requesting clarification on evaluation criteria.
Additional online post expanding on her earlier comments, reflecting frustration with perceived lack of openness in classroom dialogue.
Message objecting to a classroom exchange where a comment was described as “naïve,” requesting professional respect and referencing student evaluations.
Email from Professor Whitaker expressing concern about Ella’s recent classroom behavior and tone, noting tension in class discussions.
Follow-up email from Professor Whitaker referencing earlier concerns about Ella’s classroom participation and interactions.
Comparing Ella's case to that of Amanda Tatro, a mortuary science student who posted comments about her anatomy lab that the university viewed as threatening and unprofessional.
Welcome to New Orleans!
Lil Dizzy’s (10-minute walk)
At Lil’ Dizzy’s, producing great fried chicken is a matter of historical pride. Founder Wayne Baquet, Sr learned the restaurant trade from his father Eddie Baquet, Sr namesake of the legendary 7th Ward restaurant Eddie’s. Wayne, Sr retired in November 2020. Lil’ Dizzy’s Cafe is the only Baquet-owned restaurant still going, and it is now owned and operated by Wayne, Jr and his wife, Arkesha. They are making the Creole-Soul tradition.
Budsi’s Authentic Thai (5-minute walk)
Budsi comes from a long line of chefs who would never call themselves chefs. They're farmers who grow the rice they steam each morning and raise the fish they eat each afternoon. Eating "authentic" here means old recipes that no one has ever written down, but that are etched into bones and bellies.
Ruby Slipper (10-minute walk)
A New Orleans born brunch chain that serves made-from-scratch Southern-inflected breakfast and lunch classics, think shrimp & grits, beignets, creative Benedicts, biscuits & gravy with a full lineup of brunch cocktails.
St. Roch Market (15-minute walk)
With 12 vendors filling its historic stalls, St. Roch Market offers a diverse taste of local and international cuisines, all under one roof. Each vendor is carefully selected for their unique flavors, ensuring that every visit is an opportunity to experience the culinary creativity that defines today’s New Orleans.
Circle Food Market (10-minute walk)
Circle Food Market, a cherished part of New Orleans since 1854. Originally the St. Bernard Market, this iconic location has served our community through generations.
New Orleans African American History Museum (10-minute walk)
The mission of the New Orleans African American Museum is to preserve the history and elevate the art, culture, and contributions of African Americans in New Orleans and the African Diaspora.
The Faerie Playhouse (5-minute walk)
The Faerie Playhouse is the former home of the late Stewart Butler and Alfred Doolittle, which for 40 years was the site of many LGBTQ+ community meetings, as it continues today. The home contains many important artifacts and memorabilia of local LGBTQ+ cultural and political significance, including a large collection of gay art. The backyard’s Memorial Garden contains the cremains of many LGBTQ+ activists in New Orleans, many of whom died during the AIDS crisis.
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Treme’s Petit Jazz Museum (10-minute walk)
Located in the heart of New Orleans’ historic Treme neighborhood, Treme’s Petit Jazz Museum tells the untold story of jazz from its global roots to its homegrown evolution in New Orleans.
Oh man, this place. I know you don’t think of Mexican food when you come to the city. Listen, I get it. I also know California and Texas have this kind of locked down. But, listen. I travel a lot. This is the best Mexican food I have ever had. Hands down. Their queso is like exactly as it should be, just a nice kick and super cheesy. Like that isn't enough, they have pineapple, cilantro margarita that is the best I have ever had. Don’t miss the place on the end of Decatur. It’s also right near the French market and the Frenchman, so plan to wander around there.
There are two things you don’t want to miss here. They do the perfect bloody Mary. The other is the corn cakes. They are kind of like pancakes but fried in butter and made of corn. Not that you can see them beneath the cheese, bacon and chives. Each forkful of this mammoth breakfast/brunch gauntlet is worth it. Don’t order anything else. Just this bliss. Great place to hang out and write as well.
A bit of a dive and a hole in the wall, but well known by locals and tourists in the know. Some of the best fried chicken in town. Have it along with some rabbit jambalaya or some fried seafood. Must be over 21. FYI – no babies in the bar. Hannibal Buress did a really funny NOLA bit about parades and Coops a while back. Check it out here.
Another great restaurant at the top of Bourbon Street in the middle of everything. The friend Oysters with blue cheese and crystals hot sauce is one of the best bites in the city. Dessert is also not always easy to come by in the city, surprisingly. But they do this here. It's called the double chocolate bread pudding. It involves chocolate being poured. Like your own fountain.
Classic NOLA cuisine set right next to Jackson Square. The goat cheese crepes are the go-to dish to try here. The blackened fish and the pork chop are other favorites. Cool courtyard bar (indoors) and another place where you can escape the heat of the day for some classic white tablecloth dining. Great lunch menu.
Right next to St. Louis Cathedral. They have a great omelet sandwich. I had this like for a week straight. Solid bloody mary. If they ask you to get a double, the answer is always yes. They do a really nice brandy milk punch as well as a nice dark roux gumbo. Say hi to Wes behind the bar for us!
Some see these as a tourist place and will fight you if you argue differently. My thought is that leaves more for us and they can go somewhere else. Great po-boys and they do an oyster grilled with butter, garlic and cheese that is one of the best bites in the city. Try to go on off times (between lunch and dinner) and consider sitting at the bar. No outside drinks strictly enforced and they won’t seat you until everyone is there.
Hot dog carts throughout the city at night. Definitely a tasty dog. Onions, mustard and ketchup please. For the Confederacy of Dunces fan, this is a must. They taste better after 10pm and in the terminal at the MSY airport. People may initially say, “Do I want a hotdog from a street vendor?” I’d say they are surprisingly good and the vendors all do a nice job with sanitizing.
At the end of Bourbon Street. The dive of dive diners. But amazing hamburgers make by taking a hubcap over the top of the burger on the grille. Not a fancy place. Also, the rules on the menu make the place worth it for a trip. Just keep your hands above the table at all times. Don’t talk to yourself. They make a super good grilled cheese and a surprisingly epic turkey club sandwich. Also, they are open 24/hrs.
Fun, small intimate place for drinks and meals. They do a great brunch with this amazing shot called an orange Lazarus. Don’t miss this. A quick turn by Jackson square over to the Chartres. Can get busy, so reservations can help—particularly for brunch.
One of the older restaurants in the city, Commanders Palace is located in the Garden district. They have amazing turtle soup and do delicious things with the crab, local fish and pasta. Requires some slightly fancier dress and can be a bit more expensive. They often two exclusive experiences, a chef’s table for four people and a wine cellar table for 8-10. These are epic dining experiences with great wine pairings from their wine cellar with 33,000 bottles. Call early for these.
Ok, back to hot dogs. Here is another place to check out. They have like 10 different kinds of hotdogs and sausage. Worth the trip over. There is one on Frenchman and one over on Magazine.
A required tourist stop. Beignets are like French donuts. They can be a little heavy, so getting a coffee is a must. There café au lait comes with a chicory coffee, that can be an acquired taste. They are open 24/7 which is a bonus for those late-night hankerings.
For better beignets, I like Café Beignet on the 300 block of Royal Street, with a newer location on Decatur just a couple of blocks from Cafe Du Monde
Almost like stepping out of NOLA for a bit, away from Cajun everything and back to a high-end steak house with great options for people who may not want steak.
I know, I know. Pizza in NOLA. But sometimes you have a hankering. This place does oven baked thin crust. Great sauce and meat. They do a really good Caesar salad and nice gumbo as well. It's over by the French Market and on the way to Frenchman street. Kind of a fun place if you are on the way somewhere. I know. But try it. Also, pitchers of beer.
The bar is dark and has lots of seating. They do a simple burger—with or without cheese or mushrooms and instead of fries, they do a baked potato. Apparently, they don’t have a fryer, but have two ovens. Thus, tasty potatoes. Its good solid food and they have a pretty intense collection rum-based drinks that will kick your ass. The Monsoon is a popular one and super strong. Also, coldest beer in town.
Located over near the 900 block of Bourbon (with a newer location on Frenchman), it’s a little po-boy shop. I’m pretty sure it is also related to many of the street bike taxis—there seem to be a lot of them there. The shrimp po-boy was on the spicy side, which I liked. Small place and good food. Another place that I think is more about location and where you happen to be.
They do great brunches (everyday over the summer). Endless mimosas and rosé wine. They do a great Crystals, honey, cream sauce with the BBQ shrimp. So good. A little fancier for dinner—but casual for brunch. Outdoor courtyard and elegant dining room. Oh, and try a grasshopper. Like a girl scout cookie in a glass.
Carousel Bar at the Monteleone
Known for their Vieux Carré, a mix of whiskey, cognac, bénédictine and bitters. It's sweet and strong. The bar slowly rotates in a fun but not make you sick kind of way. I’d say it makes a rotation about once every hour. It usually pretty busy in there, so timing is key.
Cute little bar next to Jackson square. Famous for absinthe, but they don’t do the full fire preparations. Try a toxic Jesus shot and walk away with a little baby Jesus. They also make a decent margarita if you aren’t feeling the absinthe.
This is the place to get some stuff set on fire. Fair warning though, before trying absinthe as the person if they like black licorice. Any answer besides “yes, I do” means they will not like absinthe. Ever. At all. Anyway, pick an absinthe and get an Abita amber chaser and watch the fire. Also, don’t play Don’t Stop Believing on their juke box. They will kill you.
A cool little live music venue on Bourbon Street. Not the best music you will hear in the quarter, but always a solid band, good drinks and easy location to drift in and out of during a busy trip. UPDATE: So, just for fun. Tell the bouncer at the door “The Vampires sent me” and have a $10 cover charge ready. There is something special hidden away in Fritzel’s that will make your trip. (Also, I promise it isn’t a guy who punches you and takes your money).
It’s hard to visit the Cresent City and not have one of these crazy sweet, high alcohol content Hurricanes from Pat O's. They have a neat dueling piano bar and a fun courtyard with fire and water features. As a helpful FYI, there are two entrances here at Pat’s. One on bourbon and the other on St Peter. They also rent out a cool room upstairs for parties of 25 or more. Truly a once in a lifetime experience if you have the ability to do it.
Cozy little bar on the far end of bourbon street (I know, cozy and bourbon street don’t go together—but they also do). Good hurricanes and gin and tonics, great piano bar out back, dark at night with only candlelight in the bar. Can get pretty busy during peak seasons.
Another great little hole in the wall. They only take cash and probably not the bar to order a complicated drink. They have these great windows you can sit by and watch some of the city pass by on a cool autumn day. They also do these simple red beans and rice, sometimes with cut up hotdogs in it on Mondays. Kind of simple and fun place. Makes me happy here.
The term “dive bar” can be used in lots of different ways. Here, it is used in the best possible sense. It has a neighborhood feel with lots of regulars and even more character. Curtis, the bartender, gave me a lesson about a longneck being a type of beer, not a brand. Things just went from there with him asking Bethany and me to yell “F*ck you, Bobby!” for no particular reason at someone passing outside on the street. A larger question might be “Brian, why would you two yell that?” This can be answered by the $5 longneck and whiskey shot special that is always in effect and Bethany’s new found love of screwdrivers. Curtis also informed me they have the best jukebox in town with a selection of customized mix CDs.
Right by our apartment, Oz is one of several gay bars in this area of Bourbon. They host regular drag shows and dancing.
Another one of those amazing bars in the city. Part dive bar, part gay bar; it is dark and inviting. Cool fire feature at night in the lounge. Of note, we met a guy named John Vincent who was a base jumper who launched himself off of the world trade center in 1991. Clip here. A block from Oz in one direction and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop in other, giving great bar hopping opportunities.
The Jesus statue on the back side of the St. Louis cathedral casts a sweet shadow up a night. It’s a classic picture from the city. He has been affectionately named “touchdown Jesus” and is fond of pineapples.
An indulgence, for sure. They have amazing massages and a cool locker room with steam and showers with wall jets. They have a neat voodoo massage option with cool music and a spiced bag of herbs that are used in the process. Come early and leave late to enjoy the wave pool and hot tub. Great mani-pedi services. They also have a really nice bar at the hotel set in a square courtyard on the second floor.
This cooking school offers a 2-3 hours class where you don’t really cook, but rather watch one of the chefs cook. They tell you stories about the city while making you classic New Orleans dishes. It's a great way to learn about the city, have a meal, and spend some time with friends.
Cool casino themed after the city. Nice mix of slots and table games. Really happening poker room. I played once at a two-four limit table with Ray Liotta. It was a low limit table, 2-4 hold 'em. And the whole time, we all felt like we knew he was somebody. He wore this stupid baseball cap and kept talking about American Idol, like normal Americans do. When he went to the bathroom, we all talked and figured out it was Ray Liotta. When he got back, he admitted it and we played some more. I asked him for an autograph, and he said he would sign one a little later. I even won a hand bluffing against him. Which was kind of scary. When he got up to go to the bathroom, I saw my chance and went over to him on the way back. I said, “I’m just such fan. Casino, Silence of the lambs. I don’t want to be a bother...” and I held out the paper and a pen. He looked at me with intense eyes and said, “WELL, YOU F*CKING ARE!” In my head, I was like, “Holy sh*t, he is going to kill me for asking for an autograph.” I stammered, “I’m sorry…I didn’t…” Then he took the paper and said, “Nah, I’m just kidding…” in this calm and happy voice. Dude. That guy got me.
Next to the Pirate's Alley Bar, take a break and see where Faulkner wrote and lived. Some great old books here. Worth a stop. You can be all classy and well-read and such.
A guided tour through the city. I like the Voodoo and Cemetery Tour #1. Worth the cost to see the cemetery and hear some of the stories. It takes about 2-3 hours, and isn’t too strenuous. You may want to not pick 11am in July, though. Super hot in the cemetery. They do discounts for pre-pay and groups.
Worth a stop to come in from the heat and see one of the most beautiful churches in the country. Several of my friends from NJ hang out here.
Cool church right outside the quarter. Has a really neat grotto with candles and cool worship space to reflect. There is a long history to the church being a place where many bodies were kept during the yellow fever outbreak. Oldest church in the city and home of the St. Jude shrine.
A cute artists market in the heart of Frenchman Street. About 30 booths with jewelry, art and cool creative things to purchase.
Across from Café Du Monde on Jackson Sqaure, there is a line of mules that can take you on a cool tour of the Quarter.
This place is over by Decatur. There are food shops and some upscale shops as well. They have Sno-Ball (like the flavor ice of NOLA), alligator sausage, gumbo and oysters. The lower part of the market has tables like a flea market for great cheap little things for souvenirs. Worth a walk through, I think. Also near cool shops on Decatuer and El Gato Negro, you know, if you need some queso.
Fresh fruit, cheap booze and all the things you need when you are away from home. The narrowest aisles ever and simple going into this place is like a rite of passage in the quarter. Right in the middle of everything on Royal Street.
The streetcar takes you across to the garden district, Tulane and Loyola. It's a great way to see the houses, get over to Magazine Street places to eat and shop and generally get a feel for the culture of the town.
This beautiful theater host musicians and Broadway shows. If you can get into town a little early or stay a little longer, you can see Peter Frampton or John Legend.
