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Threatening Behavior

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