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 Çà¹ÏÊÓÆµ 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 .
- To report concerning behavior regarding faculty or staff, contact the Internal Audit hotline.
- Disruptive student behavior can be .
- 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 516-36, Use of University Property-Scheduling and General Use
- (including
Relevant state laws
RCW Chapter : Unauthorized publication of personal identifying information
RCW Chapter 9A.48: Arson, Reckless Burning, and Malicious Mischief
-     Malicious mischief in the first degree.
-     Malicious mischief in the second degree.
-     Malicious mischief in the third degree.
RCW Chapter 9A.52: Burglary and Trespass
-     Criminal trespass in the first degree.
-    Criminal trespass in the second degree.
RCW Chapter 9A.76: Obstructing Governmental Operation
-     Obstructing a law enforcement officer.
RCW Chapter 9A.84: Public Disturbance
-     Criminal mischief.
-     Failure to disperse.
-     Disorderly conduct.
-    False reporting.
RCW Chapter 28B.10: Colleges and Universities Generally
-    Interfering by force or violence with any administrator, faculty member or student unlawful – Penalty.
-    Intimidating any administrator, faculty member or student by threat of force or violence unlawful – Penalty.
RCW Chapter 42.52:  (applies to all University employees, including student employees)
WAC 292: 
-   Use of State Resources
-   Working Hours
-   Advisory Opinions
Acknowledgments
Çà¹ÏÊÓÆµ Washington University is grateful to the and the , whose materials on the subject were especially helpful in composing this guide.