Disruptive Behavior Policy

DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR POLICY

Openness to a wide variety of individuals is one of the prime values held by our congregation. We affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We commit to maintaining a secure atmosphere where openness can exist. When any person’s physical and/or emotional well-being or freedom to safely express beliefs or opinions is threatened, we will address the source of this threat firmly and promptly.

There have been times when disruptive behavior of an individual in the church building or on the church grounds has led members to voice their concerns. Disruptive behavior, as differentiated from a normal give-and-take of ideas in the spirit of democratic debate, involves one or more of the following:

• Danger: Is there a threat or perceived threat to persons or property?
• Interference: Does the behavior interfere with church discussions and activities?
• Offense: Is the behavior likely to alienate congregants or visitors?

The following shall be the policy of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie (UUErie) in dealing with these issues:

1. If an immediate response is required, this will be undertaken by the Minister(s), if available, and/or the leader of the group involved. This may include asking the offending person or persons to leave, OR suspending the meeting or activity until such time that it may be safely resumed. If further assistance is required, the Police Department may be called. Anytime any of these actions are undertaken without the Minister(s}, the Minister(s) must be notified; a follow-up letter detailing the offense and the action taken because of the offense, should be written and distributed to the Minister and the Board President.
2. Situations not requiring immediate response will be referred to the Board. The Board will respond in terms of their own judgment observing the following:
3. The Board will respond to problems as they arise. There will be no attempt to define “acceptable” behavior in advance. Persons identified as disruptive will be dealt with as individuals. Stereotypes will be avoided.
   1. The Board will evaluate the situation for dangerousness, disruptiveness, and/or offensiveness.
   2. The Board will collect all necessary information to determine the necessary response. These points will be considered:
      1. Causes: Why is the disruption occurring? Is it a conflict between the individual and others in the church? Is it due to a professionally diagnosed condition of mental illness?
      2. History: What is the extent, if any, of disruption caused in the past?
      3. Probability of Change: How likely is it that the problem behavior will diminish in the future?
   3. The committee will decide on the necessary response on a case-by-case basis. However, three levels of action/response are recommended:
      1. Level One: The committee shall inform the Minister(s) of the problem and either the Minister(s) or a member of the Board shall meet with the offending person or persons to communicate the concern.
      2. Level Two: The offending individual(s) is excluded from specific congregation activities for a limited period, with reasons and conditions of return written and made clear (with a copy going to the offender and one going into congregational files)
         1. Both Level One or Level Two actions taken may be appealed to the Executive Committee of the Board, and/or the Minister(s).
      3. Level Three: The offending individual is permanently excluded from congregation premises and all congregation activities. Before this is carried out, the Board and the Minister(s) will consult. If it is agreed that the expulsion take place, a letter will be written and sent by the Minister to the individual outlining the expulsion, the individual’s rights, and any possible recourse. Only when no other resolution is possible can disruptive behavior result in the expulsion of the offending person or persons.

In addition, the Congregation files and maintains accurate and timely records of complaints as well as actions taken to address and resolve problems.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie strives to be an inclusive community, affirming our differences in beliefs, opinions, and life experiences. However, concern for the safety and well-being of the congregation must be given priority over the privileges and inclusion of the individual. To the degree the disruptive behavior compromises the health of this congregation.

Adopted March 2024