Threatening Behavior

Click the following button to access an action plan for addressing threatening behaviors in the classroom.

Any statement, communication, conduct, or gesture directed toward any member of the university community that causes a reasonable apprehension of physical harm to a person or property is threatening behavior.

Treat threatening behavior with heightened concern. Encounters with students that leave you frightened or in fear for your personal safety should be taken very seriously. Additionally, an interaction, even though they are not overtly threatening, may leave you feeling unsettled or worried. When dealing with a student situation that is not overtly threatening but concerning, proactive planning is the best way to address the behavior with safety at the forefront.

Examples of threatening behavior:

Direct or implied threats of violence
Throwing objects
Challenges to fight
Shoving
Physical attacks
Threatening phone calls, emails, or other correspondence
Stalking
Brandishing a weapon or threatening to get a weapon

Red Flags

(less overt behaviors worth noting but not requiring immediate intervention):

Dehumanization or objectification of others
Lack of empathy
Sense of entitlement
Attitude of superiority
Anger management problems
Entertaining themes of violence in all areas of life
Broad-based feelings of persecution by others
Blames others for problems in life
Conspiracy and revenge themes
Generalized arrogance

Prevention

Read our prevention tips to learn more about how threatening behavior in the classroom can be prevented.

Action Plan