In accordance with Governor’s Executive Order No. 16 signed on August 4, 1999, which instituted a “zero tolerance” policy for workplace violence and in an effort to provide a safe environment for employees, students, visitors and guests while on the premises of the Community Colleges, the Board of Trustees of Community-Technical Colleges has adopted and expanded the application of the Governor’s policy. Executive Order No. 16 is fully incorporated herein.
For the purposes of this policy, “violence” is defined as an overt act or threat of harm to a person or property, or any act that poses a substantial threat to the safety of any person or property. “Premises” is defined as any space owned or leased by the Community Colleges or any of its constituent units, including vehicles and any location where college or system business or activities are conducted. Conduct that may violate this policy includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Intimidating, harassing or threatening behaviors
- Physical abuse, including hitting, slapping, poking, kicking, punching, grabbing, etc.
- Verbal abuse, including yelling, shouting, use of sexually, racially or ethnically charged epithets, etc.
- Vandalism
- Carrying or possessing weapons or dangerous instruments of any kind on Community College premises, unless properly authorized in accordance with the Board of Trustees and college policy governing weapons on campus
- Using such weapons
- Any other act that a reasonable person would consider to constitute a threat of violence, including oral or written statements, gestures or expressions that communicate a direct or indirect threat of physical harm.
Reporting Threats or Violent Acts
A person who feels that he or she has been subjected to threats or acts of violence as defined herein, or a person who witnesses such threats or acts, must report the incident to a supervisor, manager or to the Human Resources office. Supervisors and managers who receive such reports shall seek advice from the Human Resources office regarding investigating the incident and initiating appropriate action. Serious incidents or serious threats of imminent danger to the safety of persons or property should immediately be reported to the Public Safety Department.
Any individual who has applied for or obtained a protective or restraining order which lists the premises of the Community Colleges as protected areas must provide to the Human Resources office and to the Public Safety Department a copy of the petition and declaration used to seek the order, a copy of any temporary protective or restraining order that is granted, and a copy of any protective or restraining order that is made permanent. The sensitivity of the information requested is understood and colleges are responsible for treating such information in a manner that recognizes and respects the privacy of the reporting person.
Enforcement of this Policy
All reported incidents of violence will be taken seriously and will be dealt with appropriately, including prompt evaluation, investigation and response. An individual who makes a substantial threat of violence or commits an act of violence as defined in this policy shall be removed from the premises. Any weapon or dangerous instrument will be confiscated and turned over to appropriate law enforcement/ public safety authorities. There is no reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to such items on college premises.
Violations of this policy, including knowingly providing a false report, or failing to cooperate fully with an investigation, may lead to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from employment or expulsion from the college. Violations may also result in criminal penalties.
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