Reporting
Stalking is a crime in the state of Florida and is subject to criminal prosecution.
Employees or students who perpetrate such acts of stalking shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination/expulsion.
Barry University strongly encourages individuals to report suspected stalking situations to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and university officials. Reporting the stalking incidents is the most effective way action can be taken against the alleged stalker.
The Office of Public Safety has dispatch services available for students, staff, guests and patrons 24 hours a day. If an individual feels unsafe or threatened and is unable to safely report the incident in-person, they are encouraged to contact Public Safety Dispatch Office at (305) 899-3333.
In certain instances, Barry University may need to report an incident to law enforcement authorities. Such circumstances include any incidents that warrant the undertaking of additional safety and security measures to the protection of the victim and the campus community or other situations in which there is clear and imminent danger, and when a weapon may be involved.
Student Reporting Procedures
The university has established policies and procedures to address student complaints related to a range of harassment situations including concerns of stalking. Stalking/harassment is prohibited under the Student Code of Conduct and violations shall be handled through the Office of the Dean of Students
Barry University offers services to a victim of stalking even if they choose not to report the incident. The Office of the Dean of Students provides services, advocates and information for victims in a safe and confidential setting.
Employee Procedures For Informal Reporting
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Employee Responsibilities
If employees believe that they have witnessed, or been subject to harassment including stalking, sexual harassment, or any unwanted sexual attention; they should make their unease and/or disapproval directly and immediately known to the harasser whenever possible. If the situation is not immediately resolved, or if the employee is unable to or uncomfortable to address the alleged harasser directly, he or she should report the incident to the employee’s manager, Human Resources, or his or her own supervisor. It is helpful to make a written record of the date, time and nature of the incident(s) and the names of any witnesses.
It is important to report concerns of harassment including stalking, sexual harassment or inappropriate sexual conduct regardless of the seriousness to Human Resources or a supervisor/manager as soon as possible. The University cannot assist in stopping the harassment from continuing if it is unaware of the problem.
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Supervisor/Manager Responsibilities
Supervisors/managers must deal expeditiously and fairly with allegations of harassment including stalking within their departments whether or not there has been a written or formal complaint. Supervisors/managers must:
- Ensure that harassment, stalking or inappropriate sexually oriented conduct is reported to Human Resources immediately so that a prompt investigation can occur.
- Take all complaints or concerns of alleged or possible harassment, stalking or discrimination seriously no matter how minor or who is involved.
- Take appropriate action to prevent retaliation or prohibited conduct from reoccurring during and after any investigations or complaints.
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Supervisors/managers who knowingly allow or tolerate harassment including stalking, sexual harassment or retaliation are I violation of this policy and subject to discipline.
Human Resources Responsibilities
Human Resources is responsible for:
- Ensuring that both the individual filing the complaint (“complainant”) and the accused individual (“respondent”) are aware of the seriousness of a harassment, stalking or sexual harassment complaint.
- Explaining the University’s harassment, stalking and sexual harassment policy and investigation procedures to the complainant and the respondent.
- Exploring informal means of resolving sexual harassment complaints.
- Notifying the police if criminal activities are alleged.
- Conducting the investigation of the alleged harassment/sexual harassment and the preparation of a written report.
Employee Procedures For Formal Reporting
Incidents of harassment, stalking, sexual harassment or inappropriate sexually oriented conduct should be reported following the above informal procedures. However, an employee can initiate a formal investigation into an alleged violation of this policy. Employees will be required to provide a written complaint to Human Resources. Complaints should be submitted as soon as possible after a pattern of alleged stalking has occurred. To ensure a prompt and thorough investigation of a stalking complaint, the complainant should provide as much of the following information as is possible:
- The name, department and position of the person or persons allegedly causing the harassment (stalking).
- A description of the incident(s), including the date(s), location(s) and the presence of any witnesses.
- The steps the complainant has taken to try to stop the harassment (stalking).
- Any other information the complainant believes to be relevant to the harassment complaint.
Immediately following the formal complaint an internal investigation will commence. Once Human Resources complete the investigation, a written determination will be given to both the complainant and the respondent. It is important to report concerns of stalking as soon as possible to ensure support and assistance is provided immediately. Once a report of stalking is received, there will be a prompt and thorough investigation into the allegations issued. The appropriate parties will be notified (to include law enforcement if necessary) to ensure a safe and harassment-free work environment.
Safety For Victims Of Stalking
Barry University is committed to supporting victims of stalking by assisting with the necessary safety and support services.
Protective orders or restraining orders may be granted to a victim of stalking as protection against a stalker. Such orders are mandated by a judge and can be filed at the State Attorney’s Office.
Students
Student victims of stalking are entitled to reasonable accommodations. Because of the complex nature of this problem, the student victim may need additional assistance in obtaining one or more of the following areas:
- No-contact order
- Change in academic schedule
- Change in housing location
- Imposition of interim suspension of the accused
- Provision of resources for medical and/or psychological support
For assistance obtaining these safety accommodations, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students. If safety is an immediate concern, call the Public Safety Department at 305-899-3333.
Employees
The Division of Human Resources will collaborate with University administrators/supervisors and the Office of Public Safety to address any employee concerns regarding harassment, including stalking. These concerns will be taken seriously with immediate and appropriate action/reasonable accommodations.
Employees are encouraged to participate in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP is a benefit for Barry University employees and provides a range of services to include counseling, life coaching, legal and financial services, among others. Employees can contact Human Resources for more information regarding EAP and its services.
Discipline
Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate discipline. If an investigation results in a finding that this policy has been violated, employees could be subject to immediate termination dependent on the egregious nature of the violation.
Students who violate this policy are subject to appropriate discipline, through the Student Conduct Process. If a student is found responsible for the violation of this policy, students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the university.
Employee Suspension Pending Outcome For Investigation
As a general rule, there may be times when a University employee may be suspended for 30 days with pay pending the outcome of an investigation. In some situations, the suspension period may be extended. This is a personnel decision based on the sole discretion of the Department of Human Resources and is dependent upon the type of investigation taking place. Suspension is used to avoid any possible retaliation and to protect the complainant, respondent and any witnesses.
Student Interim Suspension Pending Outcome Of Investigation
In certain circumstances, the Vice President for Mission and Student Engagement, or his or her designee, may impose an interim University suspension prior to any Student Conduct Hearing.
Interim Suspension may be imposed on a student only: 1) to insure the safety and well-being of members of the University community or preservation of University property; 2) to ensure the student’s own physical or emotional safety and well-being; or, 3) if the student poses an ongoing threat of disruption of, or interference with, the normal operations of the University. While on Interim Suspension, a student will not be allowed access to the campus, including all University owned or leased properties, including the residence halls and/or all University activities, on or off campus, or privileges as the Dean of Students may determine to be appropriate.
Interim Suspension does not replace the regular Student Conduct process. At the time a student is Interim Suspended, the individual affected shall be informed of a right to a hearing without undue delay. The student shall remain dismissed until the hearing determines his/her status.
Adapted with permission from The Stalking Resource Center, The National Center for Victims of Crime and CALCASA (California Coalition Against Sexual Assault) “Model Campus Stalking Policy”.
