Young Harris College      Young Harris College Employee Handbook
Policy

Workplace Violence Prevention

Statement of Policy

Because the costs of workplace violence can be great, both in human and financial terms, the College has adopted the following policy regarding workplace violence.

Acts or threats of physical violence, including intimidation, harassment, and/or coercion, that involve or affect the College or that occur on College property or in the conduct of College business off College property, will not be tolerated. This prohibition against threats and acts of violence applies to everyone involved in College operations, including, but not limited to, College personnel, contract workers, temporary Employees, and anyone else on College property or conducting College business off College property. Violations of this policy by any individual may lead to disciplinary and/or legal action as appropriate.

This policy is intended to bring the College into compliance with existing legal provisions requiring employers to provide a safe workplace; it is not intended to create any obligations beyond those required by existing law.

Definitions

Workplace violence is any intentional conduct that is sufficiently severe, offensive, or intimidating to cause an individual to reasonably fear for his or her personal safety or the safety of his or her family, friends, and/or property. Workplace violence involves threats or acts of violence occurring on College premises, regardless of the relationship between the College and the parties involved in the incident. It also includes threats or acts of violence that affect the business interests of the College or that may lead to an incident of violence on College premises. Threats or acts of violence occurring off College premises that involve Employees, agents, or individuals acting as representatives of the College, whether as victims of or participants in the conduct, may also constitute workplace violence. Specific examples of conduct that may constitute threats or acts of violence under this policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

Physical violence or aggressive conduct directed toward another individual;

Threats of violence or physical harm directed toward another individual ;

The intentional destruction or threat of destruction of College property or another Employee's property;

Harassing or threatening phone call or e-mail or text messages;

Surveillance;

Stalking;

Any conduct resulting in a conviction, guilty plea or plea of no contest under any criminal provision relating to violence or threats of violence that adversely affects the College's academic, community or business interests.

Workplace violence does not refer to occasional comments of a socially acceptable nature. These comments may include references to legitimate sporting activities, popular entertainment, or current events. Rather, it refers to behavior that is threatening or intimidating.

Enforcement

Any person who engages in a threat or violent action on College property will be removed from the premises as quickly as safety permits and may be required, at the College's discretion, to remain off College premises pending the outcome of an investigation of the incident.

When threats are made or acts of violence are committed by an Employee, a determination will be made by the College as to what actions are appropriate with respect to that Employee, including mandatory counseling and disciplinary action up to and including discharge and criminal prosecution.

Important Note: The College will make the sole determination as to whether, and to what extent, threats or acts of violence will be acted upon by the College. In making this determination, the College may undertake a case-by-case analysis in order to ascertain whether there is a reasonable basis to believe that workplace violence has occurred. No provision of this policy alters the at-will nature of employment at the College.


Policy No.  522  Issued  3/1/2009    

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