Rationale for Adopting the University of Toledo Policy to Prohibit Harassment, Intimidation, or...
-
Upload
kristopher-payne -
Category
Documents
-
view
213 -
download
1
Transcript of Rationale for Adopting the University of Toledo Policy to Prohibit Harassment, Intimidation, or...
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