The purpose of this policy is to communicate to all supervisors, employees, and students, that McNeese State University will not tolerate bullying behavior. Should it be determined that there is a violation of this policy, the individual in question faces possible disciplinary action, which can range from a letter of reprimand up to and including termination. Students found in violation of this policy will be disciplined under applicable procedures established under the Code of Student Conduct.
McNeese State University defines bullying as “engaging in repeated actions which cause another person to experience intimidation, the unlawful use of physical force or harassment that is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it denies the victim equal access to the University’s resources or opportunities.”
Bullying may be intentional or unintentional. However, it must be noted that where an allegation of bullying is made, the intention of the alleged bully is irrelevant and will not be given consideration when appropriate disciplinary action is needed. As in sexual harassment, it is the effect of the behavior upon the individual-especially the establishment of fear that a reasonable person would experience-which is important. McNeese State University considers the following types of behavior examples of bullying when they are part of a pattern of conduct that rises to the standard set forth above:
Individuals who believe they may have experienced bullying in any form but are uncertain as to whether a complaint is justified or whether they wish to initiate a formal written complaint may discuss their concerns confidentially and informally with the director of the Office of Campus Compliance and Civility located in the Burton Business Center, Suite 407, by phone at (337) 475-5428, by fax at (337) 475-5603, or by email at compliance@mcneese.edu.
Individuals wishing to initiate a formal written complaint may do so via the Office of Campus Compliance and Civility Complaint/Reporting Form.
This policy is distributed via the University Policies webpage.