This month’s policy overview is on anti-bullying. Bullying is not considered acceptable behavior at Highland Community College. This policy applies to all employees as they interact with students, visitors or each other. Highland supports a culture of respectful academic freedom and freedom of expression and follows the Core Values of Integrity, Compassion, and Respect. Our culture and values do not tolerate bullying and its harmful impact to individuals and the workplace. This policy is not meant to apply to differences of opinion, interpersonal conflicts, and occasional problems in working relations, which are an inevitable part of working life and do not typically constitute workplace bullying.
The definition of bullying is intentional behavior targeted at an individual or group that is repeated, hostile or offensive, and creates an intimidating and/or threatening environment which produces a risk of psychological and/or physical harm. Examples of bullying are included in the policy: verbal, physical, nonverbal, exclusion and cyber bullying. Other examples are also included, such as persistent singling out of one person and using obscene or intimidating gestures.
Guidance on dealing with bullying is given in the policy:
1. If bullying is occurring, employees should address concerns as soon as possible. Highland provides training and tools on how to positively communicate concerns and other supportive resources, such as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to employees.
2. Generally, the first step is to give notice to individuals of their perceived bullying behaviors with a goal of self-awareness and correction. The employee may either address the individual directly or ask for support from a member of the Behavior Intervention Team (List of BIT Members may be found at G:\General\Student Issues and Concerns\Behavioral Intervention Members and Contacts), a supervisor or Human Resources. If the behavior continues or is severe, employees should discuss these situations with a supervisor and/or Human Resources. If you witness someone being bullied, show support for the individual being bullied and ask if they would like your assistance. If comfortable, talk with the bully in a constructive manner about the behavior and its effect on the workplace. Let a supervisor or HR know if it persists.