Policy on Violence on Campus
National Louis University strives to maintain an environment that is free from intimidation, threats (direct or implied) or violent acts. The University maintains a zero tolerance policy for any violence on the University premises. Violence includes physically harming another person, shoving, pushing, intimidation, coercion, threats of violence, as well as the carrying of or use of weapons. Any object, regardless of its nature or intended purpose, is considered a weapon when used in a threatening or violent manner. Prohibition of firearms, knives and other dangerous weapons: These items are prohibited on all University premises including University sponsored parking areas, common areas, classrooms, and at all functions sponsored by the University. Faculty, adjuncts and students who are current local, state or federal employees required to possess weapons are exempt from this prohibition. Any local, state or federal employee who are also faculty, adjunct, or student requesting an exception to the policy is required to receive prior approval from the designated University official, Richard Schak, Criminal Justice Program Director: Richard.Schak@nl.edu, 312.261.3579. If anyone, who is not exempt from this prohibition, is found to have a firearm, knife or other weapon in his/her possession, it may be grounds for immediate dismissal from employment and/or expulsion from the University.
Procedure
Individuals who believe they have been subject to any of the behaviors listed above or who observe or have knowledge of a violation of this policy must immediately report the incident to the Office of Student Experience and/or Operational Services. Anyone who receives a threat of violence from another person, and anyone who hears, observes, reads or otherwise becomes aware of a threat by any individual against him/herself or anyone else, whether such threat is direct or implied, is obligated by this policy to report the fact of such threat to campus security and/or the Office of Student Experience. Anyone who threatens or display violence on campus may be subject to immediate discharge without prior notice. Likewise, anyone found to have brought charges of violence by another University community member in bad faith will be considered in violation of this policy and therefore subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. All threats of violence are considered credible and serious and will be thoroughly investigated. To the greatest possible extent, the confidentiality of an individual who reports a threat of violence will be maintained. Anyone who fails to report such threats may also be subject to disciplinary action under this policy.
Accusations of threats of violence are treated with the utmost seriousness. They should never be made casually or without cause. This policy shall not be used to bring groundless and malicious charges against students, faculty members or employees. The same sanctions appropriate to a violation of the Anti Harassment Policy apply to those who bring charges in bad faith. At any time during the complaint process, the respondent may provide evidence to the Office of Student Experience that the charges are groundless or malicious. Bringing groundless and malicious charges may result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. Additionally, they may also result in legal liability for the person filing the charge(s).
The University has adopted a strict zero-tolerance policy of retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports what they believe to be a threat of violence, or who cooperates in any investigation. Any student who believes that he/she has been the victim of retaliation for reporting a threat or cooperating in an investigation should immediately contact the Office of Student Experience. If there is a real or perceived conflict of interest involving the actions of the designated University official or University office typically responsible for handling matters of concern for a student, employee or faculty member, an alternative University representative or University office can be contacted instead. Alternate representatives may include the University Ombudsperson, Provost’s Office, or Department of Diversity, Access & Equity. The alternate University representative or office may then designate an impartial and appropriate University official to resolve the matter following applicable University policy.