Violence-Free University

Effective: December 4, 2007
Updated/Revised: November 1, 2012
Reviewed and Updated: February 20, 2018
Contact: ISU Police

Introduction

The safety and security of the Iowa State University campus and community are very important. Our students, employees, and visitors should be able to pursue their education, work, and other activities in a safe, non-threatening environment. Unfortunately, violence can occur.

Policy Statement

Violence and Abuse Not Tolerated

Violence, threats or implied threats of violence, and intimidation (verbal or physical acts intended to frighten or coerce) impede the goal of providing a safe environment and will not be tolerated.

In addition, abuse of children or dependent adults, or any other vulnerable population is specifically prohibited by this policy.

All students, employees, and visitors are covered by this policy as well as the policies referenced below. This policy applies to conduct on "campus," which by definition is not limited to central campus but includes all property owned or used by the university

Weapons

Weapons are governed by the university’s policy on Firearms and Other Weapons.

Reporting

As part of the university community, all students, employees, and visitors are responsible for reporting violence or abuse they experience or witness.

Students, employees, and visitors should address emergencies by calling 911, whether they are on central campus or on other university property.

For all other non-emergency concerns of violence and abuse, the students, employees, and visitors should notify the Iowa State University Police Division at 294-4428. The Iowa State University Police Division is the central location for tracking concerns of violence and abuse. It is important that the Police Division is made aware of concerns of violence even if they occur on property outside of central campus.

Consistent with Iowa Code §262.9(36), university employees who in the course of employment receive information related to suspected physical or sexual abuse of children must immediately report such information to the Iowa State University Police. University employees who are mandatory reporters of all forms of child abuse (not just physical or sexual abuse) under state law also must fulfill their statutory obligation to report to the Department of Human Services as provided by Iowa Code §232.67-70. University employees, students and visitors who are not mandatory reporters are also strongly encouraged to report all forms of child abuse directly to the Department of Human Services as provided under Iowa Code §232.67-70.

Scope
All employees have the obligation to report under this policy except for professions which retain obligations of confidentiality under accepted codes of ethics. Such professions include:

Employees of the Office of the Ombuds, as required by accepted Ombuds codes of ethics;
Clergy, including any chaplains, as required by accepted standards of ethics; and
Attorneys as required by the rules of professional responsibility, and specifically applicable to attorneys employed to provide legal assistance to students.

Enforcement
The university will pursue disciplinary, student judicial, civil or criminal action as appropriate under the circumstances against any person who violates this policy by engaging in such violence, threats of violence, or intimidation.

Failure to report known or suspected violence or abuse is itself a breach of university ethical standards and can lead to discipline of employees and students, up to and including separation from the university.

Threat Management

The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is an administrative group formed to promote awareness and responsiveness across the university to avoid or address situations that may involve violence, threats, intimidation, or property damage. In addition, a Threat Management Team, which is part of CIRT, may assist the Iowa State University Police Division and departments to assess situations involving the potential for violence. The Threat Management Team is staffed through the Iowa State University Police Division.

Resources and Preparedness

Iowa State University, as part of its annual communication on safety, will inform individuals of this policy and its related procedures and resources.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality of complaints and parties will be preserved to the greatest extent possible, understanding that the university may have an obligation to take some action even if the complainant is reluctant to proceed. Parties and witnesses to a complaint are also expected to maintain confidentiality of the matter, understanding that they will often not have all the facts and that they could impair the investigation by divulging information to persons outside of the investigatory process.

Non-Retaliation

The university’s policy on Non-Retaliation Against Persons Reporting Misconduct (see Resources below) applies to persons reporting under this policy.

Resources

Supporting a Violence-Free University

Procedures for Supporting a Violence-Free University
Reporting Responsibility policy
Non-Retaliation Against Persons Reporting Misconduct policy
Police Division, Iowa State University
University Human Resources
Dean of Students Office
Employee Assistance Program
Student Counseling Service

Browse by Category

Handbooks & Manuals

Other Resources

Violence-Free University

Introduction

Policy Statement

Violence and Abuse Not Tolerated

Weapons

Reporting

Threat Management

Resources and Preparedness

Confidentiality

Non-Retaliation

Resources

Supporting a Violence-Free University

Other Links Regarding Violence

Other Links Regarding Abuse

Other Links Regarding Weapons

Resources

Links

Files