Rowan University Policy 

Title: Disruptive Behavior and Workplace Violence Policy
Subject: Equity and Diversity
Policy No: OED: 2011: 02
Applies: University-wide
Issuing Authority: President
Responsible Officer: Assistant Vice President, Equity & Diversity/Chief Equity Compliance Officer
Adopted: 05/19/2011
Last Revision: 04/19/2016
Last Reviewed: 04/19/2016

I. Purpose 

Rowan University and subsidiaries’ faculty and staff are entitled to perform their work free from violence, bullying, and disruptive behavior.  The purpose of this policy is to outline Rowan University's commitment to providing a respectful workplace that allows its employees to use their best efforts to advance the University's mission, without fear or intimidation, and protect its employees from bullying and the unwarranted disruption of their work.

II. Accountability

At the direction of the President, the Vice President for Human Resources shall implement this policy and supervisors and managers shall ensure compliance with the policy and shall maintain a work environment that is free of violence and disruptive behavior. University employees have a responsibility to report any threatening or violent behavior when a member of the University community or visitor to the campus exhibits such behavior, and to participate fully in the investigation of any such reports.

III. Applicability

The Disruptive Behavior and Workplace Violence Policy is applicable to all employees of Rowan University and its affiliate organizations.  

IV. Definitions

1. Bullying is a pattern of behavior which is unwanted, offensive and malicious (including but not limited to conduct, and written and verbal communication) which undermines an individual or group through persistently negative attacks. There is typically an element of vindictiveness and the behavior is intended to undermine, patronize, humiliate, intimidate or demean the recipient.  Bullying often includes a misuse of power.
2. Disruptive Behavior is either consistent behavior or egregious behavior on the part of another that creates an environment in which the employee feels uncomfortable, threatened or unable to perform to their best ability. Behavior may include incivility or bullying.
3. Intimidationis any act, by any means, that places another person in reasonable fear of harm through the use of threatening words and/or other conduct. Includes, but is not limited to, behavior intended to frighten, coerce, or induce excessive stress.
4. Harassment is verbal, physical, electronic, or other conduct based upon an individual’s membership (or perceived membership) within a protected category (see definition below) as listed in Section VI of the Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace that creates a hostile environment.  Harassment occurs when this type of conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work environment, including hiring, advancement, and work assignments.  The unwelcome conduct based on the protected category must be severe, persistent, or pervasive, thereby creating an environment that a reasonable person in similar circumstances and with similar identities would find hostile, intimidating, or abusive. 
5. In order to file a complaint alleging harassment, please see the Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace.
6. Incivility includes behavior such as yelling, condescending demeanor, swearing or belittling.  A supervisor discussing performance in a private setting is not guilty of incivility. The behavior must be persistent or pervasive.
7. Protected Categories are determined by the federal, state and local governments by the Equal Employment and Opportunity Commissions (EEOC). For a valid discrimination claim, an individual must be subject to discriminatory or harassing behavior because of the following traits: age, disability, gender, national origin, pregnancy, race/color, religion or sexual harassment.
8. Workplace Violence can include, but is not limited to, a verbal or non-verbal threat of physical, employment or reputational damage, hitting, yelling, physical or psychological intimidation, shoving, stalking, unauthorized touching, assault, vandalism, arson and carrying any type of weapon or explosive.

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