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Workplace Violence Prevention Policy

Commitment to a Safe and Respectful Workplace

Eastern Connecticut State University supports the State of Connecticut's Zero Tolerance Policy for Workplace Violence and is committed to providing a safe, secure, respectful, and professional environment for employees, students, visitors, contractors, and guests. Threats, threatening behavior, intimidation, harassment, or acts of violence will not be tolerated on University property or in connection with University activities.

Any individual who engages in prohibited conduct may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including removal from campus, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, termination of employment, termination of contractual relationships, criminal prosecution, or other appropriate corrective action.

Prohibited Conduct

Eastern Connecticut State University prohibits conduct that is abusive, threatening, intimidating, harassing, demeaning, or violent, whether verbal, written, electronic, or physical. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Threatening statements or behavior
  • Intimidation or harassment
  • Physical assaults or attempts to cause physical harm
  • Stalking or other behavior that creates fear for personal safety
  • Conduct that disrupts the safety and security of the University community
  • Threats to cause death or physical injury to any individual
  • Any other behavior that reasonably may be perceived as violent, threatening, or intimidating.

All members of the University community are expected to maintain a workplace and learning environment characterized by respect, professionalism, and civility. 

Weapons and Dangerous Instruments

Except as authorized by law or required as a condition of employment, weapons, dangerous instruments are prohibited on University property.

A weapon includes, but is not limited to, firearms, certain knives, batons, martial arts weapons, and electronic defense weapons. A dangerous instrument is any object, article, or substance capable of causing death or serious physical injury under the circumstances in which it is used. Weapons or dangerous instruments found on University property may be confiscated by appropriate authorities. 

Reporting Workplace Violence

All employees, students, and members of the University community share responsibility for maintaining a safe environment and are encouraged to promptly report threats, threatening behavior, acts of violence, or other conduct that may pose a risk to safety.

Emergency Situations

If there is an immediate threat to personal safety or an act of violence in progress:

Non-Emergency Situations

If you experience, receive, or witness threatening, intimidating, harassing, or violent behavior, report the incident as soon as possible to:

Employees should report concerning behavior even when no direct threat has been made if the behavior could reasonably be perceived as threatening or potentially violent. Reporting responsibilities apply regardless of the relationship between the individuals involved.

Supervisor and Management Responsibilities

Supervisors and managers who receive reports of threatening, harassing, intimidating, or violent behavior must promptly notify Human Resources and cooperate in the University's assessment and response process. Appropriate action will be taken to address safety concerns and investigate reported incidents. 

Investigation and Corrective Action

The University will promptly review and investigate all reports of workplace violence, threats, intimidation, harassment, or related misconduct. Individuals involved are expected to cooperate fully in any investigation. 

When circumstances warrant, an employee may be placed on administrative leave or otherwise restricted from campus pending the outcome of an investigation. If a violation of this policy is substantiated, disciplinary action may be imposed, up to and including dismissal, expulsion, termination of employment, termination of contractual relationships, or referral to law enforcement authorities for criminal prosecution.

Protective and Restraining Orders

Individuals who obtain a protective or restraining order that identifies University locations as protected areas are encouraged to provide relevant information and copies of applicable court orders to Human Resources and University Police so that appropriate safety measures can be implemented. The University will treat such information as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

Contacts

Mr. Stephen Tavares
Chief of Police
Phone: (860) 465-4521
Public Safety Building

Ms. Shaylah Cote
Chief Human Resources Officer
Phone: (860) 465-4552
Gelsi & Young Hall, Room 332

Related Link:
State of Connecticut Violence in the Workplace Policy and Procedures