Disruptive Behavior Policy

Preamble

In agreement with the UUA principles, we promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning. We encourage the use of the democratic process, both within and outside of our church. The Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor (UUSB) encourages the open exchange of opinions among a wide variety of individuals. At the same time, we do our best to provide a safe environment so that such openness can exist. Real or perceived threats to the physical, emotional or spiritual well-being of members and friends must be addressed firmly and promptly. We must have the freedom to safely express our beliefs.

Defining Disruptive Behavior

Any action that creates concern for the physical and/or emotional safety of children or adults is considered Disruptive Behavior. Disruptive Behavior includes actions that disturb church activities or weaken the UUSB's ability to serve present and future members. Disruptive Behavior can happen within the church building or at church-sponsored events.

Policy

The following shall be the policy of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor.

Whenever possible, disruptive behavior will be addressed immediately by those present. The Minister or Committee on Ministry should be informed immediately. If the behavior continues, the individual will be asked to leave the premises. If the person does not leave, he or she will be escorted from the building. If the person refuses to be escorted from the building, the police will be called.

If disruptive behavior or complaints of potential danger occur and an immediate response is not required, the situation will be referred to the Executive Committee. The committee will use its best judgment and follow these guidelines:

A. Problems will be addressed as they arise. There will be no attempt to define "acceptable" behavior in advance.

B. Each situation will be evaluated on its own merits.

C. The Committee will gather as much relevant information as available before acting. At least two members of the committee will jointly contact the person whose behavior is in question to get his or her point of view about the situation.

D. Evaluation of the situation will include consideration of:

1) POSSIBLE DANGER-Is the individual's behavior the source of real or perceived threat to persons or property?

2) DISRUPTIVENESS-To what degree does the behavior in question interfere with church functions, activities, or mission?

3) OFFENSIVENESS-How likely is it that the behavior in question is offensive to current or prospective members and friends? Is there a likelihood that current or prospective members and friends will be driven away?

E. In determining the response to the behavior in question, the committee will consider factors giving rise to the situation, such as the person's history within the church and other local community institutions, . It will also consider how likely it is that the person in question can alter the problematic behavior to avoid further actions which might imperil the sense of safety in the church community.

F. Remedies will be applied after consideration of the particular factors of each situation. The committee shall inform the Minister and the Committee on Ministry of its recommendation BEFORE acting. Any of the following four levels of response are recommended for most situations:

1) LEVEL ONE-The committee may decide that no action is warranted. In this case, the Minister, Committee on Ministry, and Council will be informed.

2) LEVEL TWO-The Minister and a committee member will meet with the individual in question to communicate the concerns and recommendations of the committee. If the committee decides it is necessary, a contract for clearly defined parameters of behavior will be signed at this time. If such a contract can not be agreed upon, Level Four may be enacted immediately.

3) LEVEL THREE- The offending individual shall be excluded from the church or specific church activities for a designated period of time. The reasons for exclusion and the conditions of return will be made clear in a letter to the individual given to the individual by the Minister and one member of the committee.

4) LEVEL FOUR-The individual in question will be excluded from the church premises and all church activities permanently. Before this sanction is executed, the committee will consult both the Minister and the Church Council. If expulsion is recommended and Church Council votes to enact that recommendation, the Council Chair will send a letter, return receipt requested, to the individual explaining the expulsion. Contact information will be provided so that the individual will know whom to address regarding possible recourse.

G. Action taken by the committee in Levels Two and Three may be appealed by the individual to the Church Council. There is no appeal of Level Four within this policy.

H. If an immediate response to disruptive behavior is required, the Minister or Council Chair, or Church Employee will respond according to their best judgment. If none of these is present, any church member may exercise his or her best judgment as long as such action does not violate Maine State or Federal law. Such response may include asking the offending person or persons to leave the premises or suspend activity in progress. If further assistance is required, the Police will be called.

If such action is undertaken without the Minister being present, the Minister and Council Chair must be notified as soon as possible. The Minister and the committee will determine what further action should be taken, using Levels One through Four described above.

Summary

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor strives to be an inclusive community. We embrace and encourage differences in our beliefs, opinions, and life experiences, but do not tolerate public comments or behaviors that are prejudicial, exclusive, or oppressive. Assuring the safety and wellbeing of our congregation as a whole will be given priority over the privileges and inclusion of any individual.

Adopted July, 2002