Documentation is your evidence. Whether you’re reporting a hate crime, submitting a Title VI complaint, or protecting yourself at work or school — what you save can make or break your case. This guide shows you exactly how to track, store, and present evidence so it’s useful, credible, and ready when needed.
✅ What Counts as Evidence • Screenshots of messages, posts, texts, or emails
• Photos of vandalism, flyers, or physical damage
• Audio or video clips (if legally allowed)
• Witness names or written statements
• Notes on your own experience (like a journal or log)
✍️ How to Document an Incident (Step-by-Step)
1. Write Down What Happened Immediately
Use your own words — don’t worry about being perfect. Include:
• What happened
• Where and when it occurred
• Who was involved (names, titles, affiliations if known)
• What you felt or experienced
• What actions you took afterward (emails, reports, screenshots)
2. Save All Digital Evidence
• Take screenshots of all relevant messages, posts, or replies — include timestamps and usernames
• Save voicemails, audio notes, or videos
• Name files clearly, e.g., Mezuzah-Vandalism_UCLA-Dorm3_2024-11-02.jpg
3. Organize Chronologically
Create a folder and keep everything in one place. Suggested structure:
Antisemitism_Report_YourName_YYYY-MM-DD
├── Incident_Log.txt
├── Screenshot1_Messages.jpg
├── Screenshot2_InstagramPost.png
├── Photo1_Damage.jpg
└── Email_Complaint_to_University.pdf
Use cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud — and back it up.
4. Use an Incident Tracker (coming soon)
In the meantime, use a Word doc, Google Doc, or your phone’s Notes app with: • Date and time
• Location
• Type of incident (e.g., vandalism, verbal harassment)
• Description of what happened
• Action taken (e.g., filed Title VI complaint)
🗂️ File Naming Tips • Stick to the format: [Event]_[Location]_[Date]
→ Example: Graffiti_ColumbiaHall_2025-06-01.jpg
• Add your initials if needed to avoid confusion
• Use underscores (_) instead of spaces for cleaner uploads
📬 When to Use This Documentation • Filing legal complaints (Title VI, FBI, DOJ, etc.)
• Submitting reports to ADL, FIRE, or StandWithUs
• Giving proof to school/workplace administrators
• Public advocacy or media exposure (when safe to do so)
🚨 Pro Tip: Don’t Lose It If you think something might be deleted (e.g., social media post):
• Screenshot AND screen record
• Save the original URL
• Use archive tools like archive.ph or Wayback Machine
📥 Coming Soon • Downloadable Incident Tracker (Word + Google Docs)
• Email + Formal Complaint Templates
• Legal Submission Walkthroughs
🔗 Related Resources
• Campus Antisemitism Guide
• Title VI Reporting Guide
• Workplace Antisemitism Guide
• How to File a Report
• Legal Options Overview