Workplace Violence and Bullying Prevention Policy Statement

The University at Buffalo is committed to providing a safe work environment for all employees and will not tolerate any act or threat of violence made in the workplace, on university property, or by an employee while conducting university business. The university will respond promptly to threats, acts of violence, bullying, and acts of aggression by employees or against employees by coworkers, members of the public, students, or others. Violent conduct, bullying conduct, or any threat of violence, implied or direct, is prohibited. This includes conduct on university property as well as off-campus conduct, whether in person or electronic (e.g., phone, text, email, social media), in connection with university business or that could impact an employee’s work environment. Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to:

• The use of force with the intent to cause harm (e.g., physical attack, any unwanted contact such as hitting, fighting, pushing, or throwing objects)
• Behavior that diminishes the dignity of others through unlawful harassment, including harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, gender, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, veteran status, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction status
• Acts or threats, made directly or indirectly, intended to intimidate, harass, threaten, bully, coerce, or cause fear of harm; these may include physical acts (e.g., lunging, throwing objects) or verbal acts (e.g., yelling, threatening future harm)
• Acts or threats, made directly or indirectly, by oral statements, written words, electronic communications, or non-verbal means (e.g., notes, email, mail, text messages, social media, body language, gestures, or symbols that communicate a direct or indirect threat of physical or mental harm)
• Stalking

Behaviors that violate this policy may also violate other applicable policies (e.g., Discrimination and Harassment Policy, Computing and Network Use Policy, school-level learning environment policies).

In accordance with New York State Law NYSPL 265.01(3), it is illegal to carry or possess any type of firearm on university property, regardless of whether an individual has a permit or not. An individual may not carry, possess, or use any dangerous instrument or weapon (e.g., firearms, explosives, other weapons, dangerous chemicals) on any property owned or controlled by the university without appropriate university authorization. Lawful possession of a firearm from a valid, approved telecommute location is permitted; however, the worktime carrying or use of such firearm(s) is prohibited.