[Faculty Handbook Category #3]
Threatening and violent behavior is prohibited throughout the workplace, and we have adopted this policy to ensure that all employees can work in an environment that is safe from, and free of, such behavior. Employees, students, and other members of the public should be treated with courtesy and respect at all times. You are expected to comply with our Safety and Employee Conduct and Work Rules policies, and refrain from fighting and other conduct that may be dangerous to others. You may not bring firearms, weapons, weapon paraphernalia, or other dangerous or hazardous devices or substances into the workplace, unless the device or substance was provided and approved by us and is necessary to perform your job.
At no time may you commit an act of violence against anyone with whom you come into contact while working. Similarly, you may not threaten or otherwise intimidate an employee, student, or other member of the public.
If you receive or observe a threat of violence or actual violence, report it immediately to your supervisor, Public Safety, or to the college’s leadership. This includes threats or conduct by employees, students, vendors, and other members of the public. Be as specific and detailed as possible when reporting a threat or act of violence.
You must also immediately report any suspicious activities or unaccompanied non-employees in the workplace to your supervisor, Public Safety, or the college’s leadership. Do not place yourself in peril. If you see or hear commotion or a disturbance, do not try to intercede.
In the event of an active shooter or other situation posing imminent danger, you should:
- Run if there is an accessible escape path;
- Hide if evacuation is not possible; and
- Fight if your life is in imminent danger and you have no option other than to attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter.
For more information, visit our Public Safety website: wp.stolaf.edu/publicsafety/emergency-procedures-and-protocols/.
We will promptly and thoroughly address all reports of threatened or actual violence, as well as suspicious individuals or activities. Employees found to have engaged in threatening or violent behavior will be subject to prompt disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. We encourage you to bring concerns and disputes to the attention of your supervisor, Public Safety, Human Resources, or the college’s leadership team without fear of retaliation.
Weapons Ban
With the exception of authorized security or law enforcement personnel, unless otherwise authorized under applicable state or federal laws, the possession of handguns and other deadly weapons is strictly prohibited in all college buildings and vehicles and on all campus property, and while engaging in college business or participating in any college event, whether on or off campus. This prohibition applies to all employees, independent contractors, students, and visitors, including those who have a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon.
If you believe that a student, coworker, visitor, or other individual possesses a handgun or other weapon in violation of this policy, you should immediately report the conduct to Public Safety at 507-786-3666 or the Northfield Police at 911.
updated 1/1/2026