Workplace Violence

Policy

Respect for the individual is one of the core values of the Mission Statement of Loyola University New Orleans. Consistent with this value, the University has adopted a “zero tolerance” policy for threatening or violent behavior in the workplace. Verbal threats, threatening behavior, or acts of violence by an employee against other employees, students, vendors, or campus visitors will not be tolerated. Violation of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action, including potential dismissal. Arrest and criminal prosecution by on-campus or off-campus authorities is also possible.

Threats or acts of violence will be taken seriously and will be immediately investigated by the University. Employees who make substantial threats, exhibit threatening behavior, or engage in violent acts on University property will be removed from the campus as quickly as safety permits.

Prohibited Behavior

While it is not possible to describe all the actions that might constitute threatening or violent behavior, the following behaviors are strictly forbidden in the workplace:

• using threatening, intimidating, or abusive language and/or gestures
• sending threatening, intimidating letters, notes, e-mails
• using or brandishing firearms, explosives, knives, or other types of weapons
• stalking or similarly harassing behavior toward employees, students, or campus visitors
• physically attacking another person
• verbally threatening to harm another person or destroy property

Procedure

Reporting Requirements

• University personnel are responsible for notifying their supervisor, University Police, Director of Risk Management, Human Resources (in cases involving employees), Student Affairs (in cases involving students) of any threats they have received, witnessed, or have otherwise been made aware.
• Individual contacted will alert the University Threat Assessment Team comprised of
• Risk Management Director, Chair
• Campus Police Chief
• Human Resources Director
• Associate Vice President of Student Affairs
• Vice President of affected area(s)
• Counseling and Health Services Director
• Legal counsel and/or workplace violence consultants may be involved as deemed necessary by the Threat Assessment Team.

The Threat Assessment Team will evaluate the circumstances and determine whether they believe a credible threat exists and recommend course of action to reduce potential violence. The TAT is not responsible for investigating or resolving student or employee issues. The team is a multi-disciplinary group that assesses risk/potential for violence and advises those who are charged with resolution of employee or student problems.

• Employees should also report any action that, in their judgment, has the potential to become threatening or violent without appropriate intervention. In all instances, the University will use such information with as much discretion as possible.
• It is highly recommended that the Threat Assessment Team be notified of personal situations, such as domestic violence, which have the potential to involve the workplace.
• Director of Human Resources (in cases involving employees) or Assistant V.P of Student Affairs (in cases involving students) must be notified if a restraining order lists Loyola’s campus as a restricted location. Human Resources/Student Affairs will in turn notify Campus Police.
• The TAT Chair (Director of Risk Management) is responsible for keeping the President’s Cabinet apprised of threats, lawsuits and other issues discussed by the Team.

Assistance

Human Resources and Student Affairs are available to assist employees, supervisors, and students to help prevent workplace violence through counseling, anger management, mediation, and other resources.

Supervisors are encouraged to seek assistance during high-risk situations such as employee dismissals, work restructuring, or instances in which an employee's medical condition may be a contributing factor. Human Resources will respect the confidentiality of the employee involved, balanced with need to provide a safe, secure environment for all personnel.

The Threat Assessment Team will conduct periodic training sessions to provide information concerning potential workplace violence, including recognizing early warning signs of a troubled or potentially violent person, and procedures for responding to and reporting such incidents.