POL-U5620.01 Responding to Campus Violence or Threats of Violence

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Who does this policy apply to?

This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, contractors, volunteers, and visitors to Western Washington University.

Overview

This policy outlines the University’s committed resources for providing an active response to violent acts or threats of violence against University students, faculty, staff, contractors, volunteers, and visitors.

Definitions

Violence

Violence includes, but is not limited to, intentional assault of another person, and/or harm to themselves.

Assault

An intentional act of causing, attempting, or threatening to cause physical harm or unwanted contact to another person. Actual physical contact does not need to occur for an assault to take place but can be an attempt or threat that causes a person to reasonably believe they are in danger or fear of imminent harm or offensive contact.

Threats of Violence

Threats of violence are behaviors that create a hostile or threatening educational or working environment, to include, but are not limited to:

  1. Unwanted and/or intimidating contact and/or communication of a threatening nature,
  2. An expressed or implied threat to an individual’s personal safety or property, academic efforts, employment, or participation in University activities,
  3. Stalking or contacting another person in a manner that intimidates, harasses, or places another in fear for their personal safety or to their property, and/or
  4. Behavior that is threatening or intimidating on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, color, creed, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, veteran or military status disability, or persons with guide dogs.

Domestic Violence

Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, sexual assault, or stalking of one intimate partner by another intimate partner; or physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, sexual assault, or stalking of one family or household member by another family or household member or other related crimes as listed in RCW 10.99.020

Policy Statements

1. WWU is Committed to an Environment that is Free from Violence and Threats of Violence

Western Washington University is committed to providing a working and educational environment that is free from violence and threats of violence by and against University students, faculty, staff, contractors, volunteers, and visitors.

The University believes it is essential to build an environment where students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and visitors look out for and are concerned about each other.

The University does not tolerate violence or threats of violence on University property or at University sponsored activities.

2. The University will Maintain a Threat Assessment Team

The University maintains a campus-wide, multi-disciplinary Threat Assessment Team responsible for:

  1. Responding to significant concerns and/or disruptive behaviors by students, faculty/staff, and community members who may present a risk to the health or safety of the University community, and
  2. Assessing associated risks and threats and develops appropriate response(s).
  3. The Team, co-chaired by the Police Chief and senior staff in the Office of Student Life, meets in an emergency/ad hoc manner, as necessary, and for routine, regular check-ins.
  4. The University will contact additional educators, administrators, or staff members for input on a case-by-case basis as needed. This team works together to share information regarding actual or potential threatening situation(s). Protected information shall only be shared as permitted under the Family Educational Right and Privacy Act and other applicable privacy laws. 

3. University Police Chief Oversees Threat Assessment Program

The University Police Chief, under the purview of the Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs, is responsible for maintaining and overseeing the University’s Threat Assessment Program in partnership with the Threat Assessment Team.

4. Individuals Are Strongly Encouraged to Report Violence, Domestic Violence, or Threats of Violence

Those who are experiencing violence or threats of violence are encouraged to contact University Police or Western’s Student Crisis Support Services, or local crisis resources. 

University employees are mandatory reporters if they witness or become aware of incidents of harassment, violence or threats of violence based on sex or a protected class, or suspected abuse or neglect of a minor or vulnerable adults in accordance with following policies:

  1. POL-U1600.02 Prohibiting Discrimination Based on A Protected Class
  2. POL-U1600.04 Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Sex
  3. POL-U5315.21 Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults and Reporting Concerns of Safety or Welfare

Individuals who witness, have knowledge of violence or threats of violence on University property, in a University facility or at a University sponsored activity should immediately contact University Police. If off-campus or at a University satellite office, contact the local law enforcement agency.

5. Individuals Concerned About a Person’s Behavior May Contact University Police

Individuals who are concerned about a person’s behavior and want to notify the appropriate authorities to review, may email university.police@wwu.edu. This email is not monitored 24/7 and should be used for these notifications only when no threats or violence is currently occurring. The information will be screened by trained personnel and forwarded to the Threat Assessment Team and/or appropriate University office.

6. The University Provides Support and Assistance to Those Affected by Violence and Threats of Violence

Western Washington University provides individualized support and assistance to students, faculty and staff who are victims of violence or threats of violence. 

This may include disability accommodations, confidential means for requesting assistance, work/class schedule adjustments, resources, and referral information, or leave as needed to obtain assistance and workplace relocation.

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  • Responding to Campus Violence or Threats

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