Anti-Bullying Policy

  1. PURPOSE
    Bullying can foster a climate of fear and disrespect which seriously impairs the physical and psychological health of its victims and creates conditions that negatively affect any learning and working environment. Hudson Valley Community College (“College”) is committed to maintaining high standards for behavior where every member of the College community conducts himself/herself in a manner which demonstrates proper regard for the rights and welfare of others. This Anti-Bullying Policy, therefore, seeks to educate the College community about bullying, and to promote civility and respect among all its members, including the College’s trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students, contractors, consultants and vendors.
  2. DEFINITION
    1. Bullying is defined as the aggressive and hostile acts of an individual or group of individuals which are intended to humiliate, mentally or physically injure or intimidate, and/or control another individual or group of individuals.
    2. Such aggressive and hostile acts can occur as a single, severe incident or repeated incidents, and may manifest in the following forms:
      1. Physical Bullying includes pushing, shoving, kicking, poking, and/or tripping another; assaulting or threatening a physical assault; damaging a person’s work area or personal property; and/or damaging or destroying a person’s work product.
      2. Verbal/Written Bullying includes ridiculing, insulting or maligning a person, either verbally or in writing; addressing abusive, threatening, derogatory or offensive remarks to a person; and/or attempting to exploit an individual’s known intellectual or physical vulnerabilities.
      3. Gesture Bullying - Nonverbal gestures that can convey threatening messages
      4. Cyberbullying is defined as bullying an individual using any electronic form, including, but not limited to, the Internet, interactive and digital technologies, or mobile phones.
      5. Exclusion Bullying Socially or physically excluding or disregarding a person in a work-related activity.
      6. Homophobic (Gender and Sexual Orientation) Bullying is defined as bullying usually aimed at gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
      7. Stalking is defined as continued unwanted attention through: Personal contact (directly with you or through your friends and family); telephone calls; letters; e-mails; text messages; internet chat rooms.
    3. In addition, the following examples may constitute or contribute to evidence of bullying in the workplace:
      • Persistent singling out of one person
      • Shouting or raising one’s voice at an individual in public or private
      • Using obscene or intimidating gestures
      • Not allowing the person to speak or express herself or himself (i.e.; ignoring or interrupting).
      • Personal insult and use of offensive nicknames
      • Repeatedly accusing someone of errors that cannot be documented.
      • Spreading rumors and gossip regarding individuals
      • Refusing reasonable requests for leave in the absence of work related reasons not to grant leave.
      •  Assigning menial tasks not in keeping with the normal responsibilities of the job
  3. BULLYING PROHIBITED
    1. Bullying is strictly prohibited on any College property; at any College function, event or activity; or through the use of any electronic or digital technology, whether or not such use occurs on College property.
    2. This policy shall apply to all College trustees, administration, faculty, staff, contractors, consultants and vendors.
    3. Any case of bullying suspected to be of a criminal nature shall be referred to local law enforcement authorities.
  4. PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING BULLYING
    1. Reporting Bullying by Employees
      1. Complaints alleging College employees of bullying other employees, students, contractors, consultants or vendors, should be reported immediately to the Office of Human Resources.
      2. In accordance with College policy, the Human Resources Department will review the complaint, conduct an investigation, and recommend appropriate disciplinary action.
    2. Any inquiries regarding reporting alleged violations of this policy may be directed to the College General Counsel.
  5. DISCIPLINARY ACTION
    Violations of this policy shall be considered misconduct, and violators will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with College policy, the applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the Employee Handbook.
  6. EDUCATION/PREVENTION
    The Human Resources Department will facilitate anti-bullying training for College employees.
  7. OTHER REMEDIES
    Nothing contained herein shall preclude or limit any right, remedy or cause of action provided under any other College policy or any local, state or federal ordinance, law or regulation, including, but not limited to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Rehabilitation Act of 1964, or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Get in Touch

Human Resources
Administration Building, Room 140
(518) 629-4552

Fax: (518) 629-4874

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.