1. Risk Research Bulletin, September 2009
The Double-Edged Sword of Workplace Violence: A Liability Predicament for Educational Employers
Risk Research Bulletin, September 2009

2. The Double-Edged Sword
Safety of campus
Required Due Process
Overcoming The Double-Edged Sword
Reviewing Applicable Policies
Recognizing and Reacting to Danger Signs
Avoiding Employment Liability

3. Review Applicable Policies
Workplace Violence Policy.
Ensure that the institution can take immediate action through:
Broad policy language
Flexibility
Train supervisors to respond to minor behavioral problems
Ensure appropriate discipline for false reports

4. Review Applicable Policies
Policy
Expressly permit monitoring of all accounts
State that all s are subject to review

5. Recognizing and Reacting to Danger Signs
Respond Appropriately to Behavior
Behavioral clues
Address problematic behaviors early
Supervisor training

6. Recognizing and Reacting to Danger Signs
Investigate Reports of Troubled Employees
Document both employee and institutional actions
Get an outside threat assessment
Notify local police

7. Avoiding Employment Liability
Temper the Institutional Response
Suspension vs. termination
Limit communications
Avoid Inconsistent Discipline
Consult attorney

8. Avoiding Employment Liability
Beware of Disability Issues
Rules of conduct
“Direct threat”
Recognize Special Problems with Faculty
Tenure or tenure track
Tenure revocation