Anti-Violence Policy
Southern New Hampshire University does not tolerate threatening or violent behavior of any kind whether physical or psychological. This policy has been created to ensure an environment of respect and safety that is free from intimidation, threats, and acts of violence. It encompasses all individuals and activities on university property or on any property used for university activities or for activities by university recognized student groups. People do not “just snap” and commit violent acts at work or in school. There are earlier indicators of a potential for violent behavior and this policy addresses those behaviors as well as behaviors that are clearly violent.
Behaviors covered by this policy have been categorized in three stages.
Stage One behaviors are early indicators of a potential for violence and include behaviors such as
• Name Calling
• Profanity
• Sexual Comments
• Obscene language or gestures
Stage Two behaviors represent an escalated potential for violence and include behaviors such as
• Blatantly disregarding university policies and procedures
• Ethnic or racial epithets
• Stealing
• Making verbal threats or conveying threats by note/letter and/or electronically.
Stage Three behaviors are actual violence and include behaviors such as
• Physical abuse or attack
• Inappropriate touching
• Destroying property or any vandalism, arson, or sabotage
• Throwing objects
• Possession of a weapon
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
A. The university will respond promptly to threats or acts of violence. This response may include local law enforcement agencies if appropriate.
B. Employees of the university who commit work- related threats or acts of violence will be subject to strong disciplinary action, up to and including discharge from university employment. Students engaging in such behavior will be dealt with in accordance with this policy and the student code of conduct up to and including discharge from the university.
C. The university will support criminal prosecution of those who threaten or commit violence against its employees, students, or visitors within its facilities, programs,and activities.
D. The university will attempt to reduce the potential for internal violence through an anti-violence team that will work to positively affect the attitudes and the behavior of its students and employees. The team will provide education and counseling, intervention, mediation, and referral services.
E. Possession use or display of weapons, or ammunition is prohibited on property owned by or under the control of Southern New Hampshire University and at off campus activities sponsored by the University unless authorized as explained in the exemption below
Definition of Weapons
A weapon is defined as: An instrument of offensive or defensive combat or something to fight with and includes any device capable of projecting a ball, pellet, arrow, bullet, missile, shell or other material. This shall include but not be limited to firearms, bows, arrows, swords, rockets, knives, sling shots, air guns, paint ball guns and martial arts devices.
Exemptions
Any exception must be approved by the Director or Assistant Director of Public Safety and shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Director deems appropriate
Response to Violence
A. Discipline Response
Persons whose behavior has become increasingly threatening may be separated from the university community. Behaviors which are violations of the university conduct code will be adjudicated as described within that code. This can be found in the Student Handbook.
B. Non-Disciplinary Response
The university has formed an Anti-Violence Team. This group of faculty and staff will receive reports on behavior by employees and students that indicates a potential for violence or is a violent action. The team has the authority to require students and employees to take appropriate corrective measures. Programs required by the Anti-Violence Team are intended as preventive measures. By responding to early indicators of a potential for violence, the university hopes to minimize actual violent actions. Failure to comply with the requirements of the Anti-Violence Team is itself a violation of university behavioral guidelines.
Reporting an Incident
Any individual, who believes he/she has been subjected to, has observed or has knowledge of actual or potential violence should immediately notify their supervisor, the Director of Human Resources, the Office of Residence Life, the Public Safety Office or local police. All such incident reports must be submitted to the Anti-violence Team. Forms are available from Public Safety, Human Resources or the Wellness Center. If any imminent physical threat or danger exists, employees should contact Campus Public Safety, or dial the emergency number 911 or 8-911 from a phone on the Manchester campus.