Bullying Policy

Moravian University strives to be a campus community free from bullying, where each member of our community is treated with dignity and respect. As such, the institution reserves the right to address bullying behaviors that seemingly undermine these values. This policy specifically applies when behavior is not based on membership in a protected class, but may negatively impact on the living, learning, or working environment.

For purposes of this policy, bullying is defined as

• Repeated and/or severe behavior that is likely to intimidate or intentionally harm or control another person physically or emotionally, and which is not protected by freedom of expression. This includes behavior that may occur online (also known as cyberbullying), in person, by telephone, mail, or any other action, device, or method.

Bullying behaviors may be reported through a number of institutional channels as follows. 

Bullying based on an actual or perceived protected characteristic (race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, caste, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, familial status, marital status, citizenship status, veteran/military status, disability status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law) falls outside the scope of this policy and is governed by the University’s Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Non-Discrimination Policy through Equal Opportunity and Title IX. The University's Campus Climate Education Team (CCET) is also available to receive bias reports, provide support to individuals experiencing harm, and extend non-disciplinary options for resolution. When a disciplinary response may be appropriate, CCET may also initiate a referral to Equal Opportunity and Title IX.

Under this policy, bullying that is either 1) related to a characteristic not otherwise protected by policy or law or 2) is more generic in nature, may be reported through any channel and information will be forwarded to the appropriate office for follow up. Concerns are generally directed to Student Accountability and Conflict Transformation when the party causing harm is a student and to Human Resources when the party causing harm is an employee. Concerns of bullying by individuals in these departments should be directed to the Vice President for University Life.

Disciplinary and/or corrective action may be implemented as appropriate and in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and Employee Handbook respectively. Bullying may also be addressed through education, remedial actions, conflict coaching, mediation, shuttle negotiation, facilitated dialogue, restorative practices, and/or other alternate resolution mechanisms, particularly when it is not severe, pervasive, or persistent.

Questions about this policy may be directed to Leah M. Naso, Dean for Compliance, Training and Development at compliance@moravian.edu.

Policy effective 7/6/2021