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:

Applicable university policies

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 Chapter 9A.52: Burglary and Trespass 

RCW Chapter 9A.76: Obstructing Governmental Operation 

RCW Chapter 9A.84: Public Disturbance 

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 

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.