Iowa State University

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Violence-Free Campus

Effective: December 4, 2007
Contact: Police Division, Iowa State University

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. To educate and empower all members of the university community, resources and procedures are in place to prevent, deter, and respond to concerns regarding acts of violence. Iowa State University also offers workshops to assist departments and individuals in detecting indicators for concern and resources to protect themselves and their environments. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Policy Statement

Violence 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. 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

As indicated in the policies below, weapons are not permitted on the campus except for purposes of law enforcement and as specially authorized for purposes of instruction, research, or service.

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.

Reporting

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, 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. It is important that the Police Division is made aware of concerns of violence even if they occur on property outside of central campus.

The university has adopted procedures for responding to and addressing conduct that violates this policy and urges all students, employees and visitors to be alert to the possibility of violence on campus. As part of the university community, all students, employees, and visitors are responsible for reporting violence they experience or witness.

Threat Management

The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is an administrative group formed to promote awareness and responsiveness across campus 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 and False Claims

The university prohibits retaliation against persons who in good faith report violations of this policy or cooperate in an investigation. The university also prohibits the filing of knowingly false or misleading reports and providing knowingly false or misleading information in an investigation. Discipline or other action can result from either of these acts in violation of this policy.

Resources

Other Links Regarding Violence

Other Links Regarding Weapons