Rationale for Adopting the University of Toledo

Policy to Prohibit Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying

Professor Rob SalemDr. Lisa Pescara-Kovach

Other Institutions Taking a Proactive Approach

Oregon State University University of Southern MississippiMcNeese State University State of New Jersey: The Tyler Clementi

Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act mandates that all public institutions, including higher education, include a policy on harassment, intimidation, or bullying

History of the Anti-Bullying Task Force

Conversation with Chief Newton regarding suicide of Tyler Clementi and the link between bullying and targeted violence (e.g., VA Tech)

Recognized that bullying occurs on college campuses and isn’t formally addressed

Created anonymous reporting tool◦www.utoledo.edu/tlc/bully

U.T. Focus Group Concerns

Cyberbullying on social networking sites

Classroom bullying of nontraditional students, or students who were otherwise different than the general population at U.T.

Lack of knowledge as to how to report or respond to incidents

Recent Case at U.T.

Female Student: Verbal and relational bullying in class and at local establishments by members of a sorority she chose not to pledge

Impact: Stopped attending classes due to severe somatic issues and anxiety

Solution:1) Chief Newton and I met with victim and allowed her to be part of the decision-making process;2) Victim agreed to allowing Task Force to send an e-mail to perpetrators, informing them that it has been brought to our attention that they participated in acts of bullying;3) Victim provided contact information for the Counseling Center

Why Are Bullying Incidents Addressed through Co-Chairs of the Task Force?

Able to triage upon receiving the report: -if the act is bullying, we assist. -if the act is harassment, or a violation of law, it is passed on to the proper administrative office

If we know for certain that it is bullying behavior, we are able to implement current best practice to assist the victim

The Proposed Policy

The Purpose

◦To protect students and employees

◦To foster a positive campus climate

◦To allow students to grow and learn in a safe and accepting environment

◦Flexibility and Discretion

Relationship to Other University Policies

Bullying

Harassment

Hazing

Discrimination

The Scope of the Policy

Jurisdiction

Cyber Bullying

More Subtle Forms of Bullying

Definition

Broadly defined

Enumeration of groups who are disproportionately affected

Procedures

Complaints

Investigation

Intervention

Other ElementsTrainings

Encouraging all stakeholders to intervene

Retaliation and False Reporting

Safety Plans