Board of Trustees passes bullying policy

By: Steven Wyble

Posted: 11/8/09

EWU Policy 901-04, "Bullying," was passed unanimously by the Eastern Washington University Board of Trustees at their Nov. 20 meeting.

An online discussion thread that the university set up prior to the policy's passage yielded concerns that it could infringe on the right to free speech at EWU.

William Creeley of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education said, "It's not the worst cyber bullying or bullying policy I've seen, but it's not the best, either. I think that it probably represents a threat to speech on campus. I wouldn't call it an extreme threat as with some of the bullying policies FIRE has seen at other schools across the country, but it's definitely worrying."

The policy defines bullying in part as, "behavior that is intentional, targeted at an individual or group, repeated, hostile or offensive, and creates an intimidating and/or threatening environment which produces a risk of psychological and/or physical harm," and also says that bullying behavior may include, "inappropriate behaviors such as abusive language, derogatory remarks, insults or epithets. Other offensive behaviors may include the use of condescending, humiliating, or vulgar language, swearing, shouting or use of unsuitable language, use of obscene gestures, or mocking."

For more background on the policy, see the story, "Board of Trustees to consider controversial bullying policy."