3.29 Policy Against Violence In The Workplace

(Replaces 3.30 Security/Workplace Violence)

The College is committed to providing a workplace that is free from acts of violence or threats of violence. In keeping with this commitment, the College has established a policy that provides “zero tolerance” for actual or threatened violence against employees, students, visitors, or any other persons who are either on our premises or have contact with employees in the course of their duties. Security and safety in the workplace is every employee’s responsibility. It is therefore essential that every employee understand the importance of workplace safety and security.

Compliance with this anti-violence policy is mandatory and a condition of employment, which will be evaluated, together with other aspects of an employee’s performance. Due to the importance of this policy, any employee who violates any of its terms, who engages in or contributes to violent behavior, or who threatens others with violence will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination. The College will support criminal prosecution of those who threaten or commit violence against its employees, students and visitors within its facilities, programs and activities.

Any behavior that threatens life or well being of others is not consistent with this policy. The list of behaviors, while not inclusive, provides examples of conduct that is prohibited.

1. Physical abuse or attack, or pushing
2. Stalking
3. Aggressive or hostile behavior that creates reasonable fear of injury to another person
4. Jokes or offensive comments regarding, or references to, violent events and/or behaviors
5. Vandalism, arson, or sabotage
6. Throwing objects in the workplace
7. The use or carrying of weapons of any kind (whether or not licensed to carry a concealed weapon) (i) onto the College property or onto property utilized for College programs or (ii) while in the course and scope of performing work for the College whether on College property at the time or not.

For the purposes of this policy, the following items are considered to be weapons:

• Any weapon which, per applicable law, is illegal to possess. Any firearm, loaded or unloaded, assembled or disassembled, including pellet, “4BB”, and stun guns. Knives (and other similar instruments) with a blade length of more than three inches, other than those present in the workplace for specific purpose of facilities use, food preparation and service
• Any switchblade knife
• Brass knuckles, metal knuckles, and similar weapons
• Bows, cross-bows and arrows
• Explosives and explosive devices, including fireworks and incendiary devices
• Any object that has been modified to serve as, or have been employed as, a dangerous weapon

In order to promote compliance with this policy and maximize our efforts to provide a safe and secure workplace that is free from violence, the College has established security measures and practices within its disaster preparedness program. It will also provide programs to train and retrain employees as appropriate. This will assist employees and the College to make the workplace more secure, and to remedy any problems and workplace security hazards that are identified before they lead to injuries.

Every verbal or physical threat of violence must be treated seriously and reported immediately to the employee’s supervisor, a member of Senior Staff, the Director of Human Resources or Campus Safety. The College will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of threats or actual violence by consulting with the appropriate resources and witnesses.

In situations where an employee becomes aware of an imminent act of violence, a threat of imminent violence or actual violence, emergency assistance must be sought immediately. In such situations, employees should immediately contact the Campus Security office at extension 72000 and, if appropriate, contact law enforcement authorities by dialing 911.

All employees, students and visitors should be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. The College encourages employees to bring their disputes or differences with others to the attention of their supervisor, a Senior Staff member or Human Resources before a situation escalates into potential violence.

Full cooperation by all employees is necessary and mandatory for the College to accomplish its goal of maximizing the security and safety if its employees. Employees should direct any questions they have regarding their obligations under this policy to the Director of Human Resources. Employees can report violations of this policy and raise any questions regarding their obligations under this policy without fear of retaliation.