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Prohibition of Campus Violence (D-55)

Original Implementation:July 21, 2009
Last Revision: July 17, 2012

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes that threatening and violent behavior is contrary to its mission as an educational institution.  Such behavior while on university premises, at university sponsored activities, in electronic communities/instructional sites or off-campus conduct that adversely affects the university and/or the pursuit of its objectives will not be tolerated. The university encourages all members of the university community to promptly report any emergency or crime to the SFA University Police (UPD).

General Policy Guidelines

    1. Scope

      2. This policy applies to conduct that occurs on university premises, at university sponsored activities, in electronic communities/instructional sites and to off-campus conduct that adversely affects the university and/or the pursuit of its objectives.

    2. Definitions

      3. Violent behavior includes any behavior, whether intentional or reckless, which results in bodily injury to one's self, another person and/or damage to property.
      Threatening behavior includes any behavior, whether intentional or reckless, that by its nature would be interpreted by a reasonable person as intent to harm one's self, another person or damage property belonging to another. Threats may be oral, written, or communicated through conventional mail, electronic, fax, or telephonic means and may be direct or implied.
      Campus violence encompasses threatening and violent behavior. Campus violence can include, but is not limited to, the following:

      • Physically assaulting a person, including slapping, hitting, punching, pushing, poking or kicking; or threats to inflict physical harm;
      • Arson, sabotage, equipment vandalism, damaging or destroying property, throwing or hitting objects;
      • Displaying a weapon or an object that appears to be a weapon in a threatening manner; carrying a firearm of any kind onto university owned or controlled property (except those permitted by state law or university policy); or using a weapon to harm someone;
      • Using greater physical size/strength to intimidate another; intimidating or threatening gestures, bullying or hazing;
      • Intimidating, threatening, hostile or abusive language directed toward another person that communicates the intention to engage in violence against that person and leads a reasonable person to expect that violent behavior may occur;
      • Stalking another person.
    3. Campus Violence Prohibited

      4. Any student who engages in campus violence while on university premises, at university sponsored activities, in electronic communities/instructional sites or off-campus conduct that adversely affects the university and/or the pursuit of its objectives may be removed and/or barred from the premises pending the outcome of an investigation and any disciplinary action deemed necessary as determined through the regular student disciplinary process (see university policy D-34.1, Student Code of Conduct).

  1. Procedures
    1. Reporting Immediate Emergencies or Crimes

      2. Any person who experiences, is aware of, or witnesses campus violence, or who has reason to suspect that campus violence is occurring that may be of a criminal nature or poses clear and present danger should immediately contact the University Police Department.

    2. Protective or Restraining Orders

      3. Any student who takes out a protective or restraining order against another person, or receives a protective or restraining order which lists university owned or leased premises as a protected area, shall provide UPD with a copy of such order; and, when possible, a photograph of the person against whom the order has been issued.

    3. Sanctions

      4. Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion, may be removed from campus pending investigation and completion of the student disciplinary process according to the university's interim suspension policy, and/or arrested and be subject to legal action.

    4. Filing of False Reports

      5. Any person who knowingly and intentionally files a false report shall be subject to disciplinary action that may include dismissal, expulsion, and/or legal action.

    5. Retaliation Prohibited

      6. A student who retaliates in any way against an individual who has brought a complaint in good faith pursuant to this policy or participated in good faith in an investigation of such a complaint is subject to disciplinary action including suspension or expulsion.

 

Cross Reference: Student Code of Conduct (D-34.1)

Responsible for Implementation:  Vice President for University Affairs

Contact for Revision: Dean of Student Affairs

Forms:  None

Board Committee Assignment: Academic and Student Affairs