Student Life Handbook: Policies and Procedures Vandalism, Violence, and Bullying

Subjecting others to physical violence, threatening others with physical violence, and engaging in acts of vandalism or bullying against another person are unacceptable ways to deal with conflict.

Bullying may take place in a variety of hostile acts that are carried out repeatedly over time. The acts often involve a real or perceived imbalance of power, with the more powerful individual or group attacking those who are less powerful. Bullying may be physical (hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing), verbal (taunting, malicious teasing, name calling, threatening), or psychological (spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, or promoting social exclusion, extortion, or intimidation).

It is important to recognize that a single act (e.g. name calling, mocking or harsh words) that causes discomfort to another may not constitute bullying that is subject to the college student conduct process. Nor does being “uncomfortable” automatically translate to being “unsafe” or being “threatened.” Each allegation must be examined with respect to its severity, repetitiveness, and tangible impact on the individual in reaching a determination as to whether the act was in violation of the Bias, Harassment and Discrimination Policy.

Westmont does not tolerate bullying, vandalism, violence or the threat of violence against anyone.  Should the behavior be related to a characteristic of a targeted person that is a legally protected status, the person engaging in the behavior also may be violating the college’s policies on harassment and discrimination. See these related policies for more information: Unlawful Sexual Misconduct Policies and Procedures or the college’s Bias, Harassment and Discrimination Policies and Procedures.