Disruptions, Safety, Relevant Policies and Laws
Addressing Disruptions or Safety Concerns
Freedom of expression events are part of the fabric of American society, especially on college campuses. It is likely that people attending school or working at WWU will encounter expressive activities. Sometimes, people in the university community have a concern about an expressive activity event. The suggestions below can help.
Addressing disruptive behavior
- Contact the individual(s) engaged in the behavior and request that they stop or leave. Be specific about what behavior is disrupting your class or other work. Identify yourself, share the reason for your concern, and request a specific action or behavioral change.
- Contact the event organizer to report the behavior.
- If the disruption continues, contact the event organizer or any identifiable university official in the area.
- If the disruption continues and may be criminal, contact University Police.
- People can document disruptive behavior with picture, videos, and witnesses to make a report (see below).
Report unsafe, criminal, or discriminatory behavior:
- Concerns about imminent threats to physical safety should always be reported promptly to 911.
- Possible criminal behavior can be reported to University Police by calling 911 (emergency) or (360) 650-3555 (non-emergency).
- Behavior that discriminates or harasses people based on a protected aspect of identity can be reported to the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance.
- To report concerning behavior regarding faculty or staff, contact the Internal Audit hotline.
- Disruptive student behavior can be reported to the Office of Student Life.
- Disruptive behavior by a student club or organization can be reported directly to the Club Activities Office.
- To report concerning behavior regarding staff, contact Human Resources at HR@wwu.edu
- To report concerning behavior regarding faculty, contact provost@wwu.edu
Applicable university policies
- WAC 516-21, Student Conduct Code
- WAC 516-24, General Conduct
- WAC 516-35, Use of University Property – Freedom of Expression and Assembly
- WAC 516-36, Use of University Property-Scheduling and General Use
- WAC 516-52, Health and safety (including Weapons and armaments prohibited
- POL-U1600.02, Prohibiting Discrimination Based on a Protected Class (Interim)
- POL-U1600.04, Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Sex (Interim)
- POL-U5400.13, Using University Resources for Political Activity
- POL-U7100.04, Preventing and Responding to Incidents of Hazing
- POL-U8500.01, Space Allocation – Exterior Space
- POL-U8650.01, Posting on Main Campus
Relevant state laws
Constitution of the State of Washington, Article 1, sections 4 and 5
RCW Chapter 4.24.792: Unauthorized publication of personal identifying information
RCW Chapter 9A.48: Arson, Reckless Burning, and Malicious Mischief
- RCW 9A.48.070 Malicious mischief in the first degree.
- RCW 9A.48.080 Malicious mischief in the second degree.
- RCW 9A.48.090 Malicious mischief in the third degree.
RCW Chapter 9A.52: Burglary and Trespass
- RCW 9A.52.070 Criminal trespass in the first degree.
- RCW 9A.52.080 Criminal trespass in the second degree.
RCW Chapter 9A.76: Obstructing Governmental Operation
- RCW 9A.76.020 Obstructing a law enforcement officer.
RCW Chapter 9A.84: Public Disturbance
- RCW 9A.84.010 Criminal mischief.
- RCW 9A.84.020 Failure to disperse.
- RCW 9A.84.030 Disorderly conduct.
- RCW 9A.84.040 False reporting.
RCW Chapter 28B.10: Colleges and Universities Generally
- RCW 28B.10.570 Interfering by force or violence with any administrator, faculty member or student unlawful – Penalty.
- RCW 28B.10.571 Intimidating any administrator, faculty member or student by threat of force or violence unlawful – Penalty.
RCW Chapter 42.52: Ethics in Public Service Act (applies to all University employees, including student employees)
WAC 292: Ethics in Public Service
- WAC 292-110-010 Use of State Resources
- WAC 292-110-020 Working Hours
- WAC 292-110-050 Advisory Opinions
Acknowledgments
Western Washington University is grateful to the University of Wisconsin, Madison and the University of California, Irvine, whose materials on the subject were especially helpful in composing this guide.