Policy Statement
Western New England University is committed to preventing violence in the workplace and to maintaining a safe work environment.
Reason for Policy
WNE has adopted the following guidelines to address intimidation, harassment, or other threats or acts of violence that may occur on its premises.
Who Is Governed by this Policy
Faculty, Staff, and Students
Policy
All employees, regardless of position or rank, must be treated with courtesy and respect. Employees are required to refrain from fighting, "horseplay" or other conduct that may be dangerous to others or risk appropriate disciplinary action. Conduct prohibited by this policy includes any physical assault such as hitting, pushing or pulling, slapping, punching, pinching, kicking, holding, impeding, or blocking the movement of another person. The policy also prohibits pounding fists on a desk or furniture, throwing objects at another person, or direct references to or threats of potentially violent behavior. WNE prohibits on its premises all types of firearms, with the exception of authorized public safety employees; explosives, and/or martial arts weapons. The University also prohibits any employee from carrying on his/her person or under his/her control in a vehicle, any object that may be used to threaten, harass, and/or injure. Please see the WNE Firearms Policy.
Supervisors have the responsibility to report to the Office of Human Resources any potentially threatening or intimidating behavior such as an employee who has verbal outbursts, brags about fights/violent acts done outside of work, etc., talks about weapons or violence, or exhibits changes in behavior. In addition, employees who others express fear/concern of (including spouses or family members), should be reported; as well as unusual emails, phone calls/voicemails sent to an employee, even if from an anonymous source, stalkers, ex-spouses calling or coming to visit a spouse against their wishes.
Conduct that threatens, intimidates, or coerces another employee, student, parent, or visitor to the Campus, at any time, will not be tolerated. Any such activity will be grounds for disciplinary action up to, and including, termination of employment.
Anyone who is found to have engaged in conduct or actions prohibited by the University’s Workplace Anti-Violence Policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.
Procedures
Any physical or verbal conduct or action that you observe which you believe is prohibited by this policy must be reported as soon as possible to your immediate supervisor, the Department of Public Safety, Human Resources for Faculty or Staff, and Student Life for Students. All reports of potential violations of this policy will be promptly and thoroughly investigated.
Document History
Policy Origination Date: June 19, 2023
Who Approved This Policy
Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Contact
Associate Director of Human Resources
Rivers Memorial