Workplace Violence and Abusive Behavior Policy

Policy Statement: Lewis & Clark College is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all faculty, staff and students, and will not tolerate any form of violence or abusive behavior committed by or against any member of its community. All reports of violence or abusive behavior will be taken seriously by members of this campus community.

Violence and abusive behavior include any attempted, threatened, or actual conduct that endangers or is likely to endanger the health or safety of a campus community member or visitor, or any threatening statement, harassment, or behavior that gives a campus community member or visitor reasonable cause to believe that his or her health or safety is at risk. Accidents are not considered workplace violence or abusive behavior even though safety or property may be at risk or harmed. Also, reasonable discipline and counseling are not included under this policy even though an employee or student may take offense.

Employees who engage in actions or threats of violence or abusive behavior will be subject to the appropriate discipline up to and including termination.

Examples of violence and abusive behavior violating this policy include but are not limited to the following:

• Slapping, punching or otherwise physically attacking a person.
• A direct or implied threat of harm or hostile behavior that creates a reasonable fear of injury to another person or unreasonably subjects another individual to emotional distress.
• Brandishing a weapon or an object, which appears to be a weapon in a threatening manner.
• Intimidating, threatening, or directing abusive language toward another person.
• Stalking.
• Intentionally damaging College property or the property of a member of the Lewis & Clark College community or a visitor.
• Committing acts motivated by, or related to racial or sexual harassment or domestic violence.

Procedure

Any individual who experiences or witnesses violence, threats of violence or harassing behavior violating this policy or who has reason to suspect that these acts or behaviors are occurring should immediately notify a supervisor, Campus Safety Officer, or the Director of Human Resources.

Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible but it is not guaranteed.

Retaliation or harassment against a person making a report in good faith will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.

Student to Student

College of Arts and Sciences

Policies and procedures related to discrimination and harassment by a student are included in the Student Code of Conduct. Questions or concerns may be directed to the Dean of Students.