Introduction

​​This policy applies to the public use of Nashville Public Library (NPL). Any personnel related issues are managed through the NPL Human Resources Department. 

​NPL works to create a safe and civil environment free from bullying or harassment based on actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, intellectual ability or disability, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, sexual orientation, ancestry or genetic information, source of income, gender (including gender identity, expression or appearance), or any other distinguishing characteristic, or a person’s association with a person or group with any of the actual or perceived foregoing characteristics. NPL expects all customers to treat each other, staff, and volunteers with civility and respect and not to engage in behavior that is disruptive or violent. Acts of bullying, harassment and intimidation, or retaliation disrupt the library environment and are not permitted. ​

This policy addresses conduct that takes place in any NPL facility, property, or at any on site or off-site Library activity. It also applies to the use of any electronic devices used on NPL property, including devices not owned or leased by NPL. ​

NPL’s Patron Rules of Conduct Policy will be used to determine consequences of any bullying incident. ​

All NPL staff will conduct annual training on this policy and bullying prevention practices.

​Definitions ​

Bullying ​

Bullying is defined as severe, threatening, unwanted, aggressive behavior, whether physical, electronic, or verbal, toward other NPL customers, employees, or volunteers for the purpose of annoying, intimidating, or causing fear to the recipient. Bullying often involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. Bullying may inflict harm or distress on the targeted person including physical, psychological, social, or educational harm. ​

Common types of bullying may include: ​

• Using obscene or abusive language or gestures in a manner which reasonably can be expected to annoy or disturb other customers, volunteers, or library staff.
• ​Following persons around the premises or prolonged staring.
• ​Hitting, kicking, and tripping.
• ​Name-calling and teasing.
• ​Damaging personal property.

​Harassment ​

Harassment is conduct that is similar to bullying behavior in that it is unwanted, threatening and hurtful. It can include verbal abuse, graphic or written statements, threats, physical assault, or other conduct that is threatening or humiliating, but is based on the target’s actual or perceived actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, intellectual ability or disability, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, sexual orientation, ancestry or genetic information, source of income, gender (including gender identity, expression or appearance), or any other distinguishing characteristic, or a person’s association with a person or group with any of the actual or perceived foregoing characteristics.

​Reporting Instances of Bullying or Harassment ​

All incidents of bullying or harassment, including those reported anonymously, will be looked into. ​

Customers found to be engaging in bullying or harassing behavior will be subject to consequences in accordance with NPL’s Patron Rules of Conduct Policy.

​Retaliation and False Accusations ​

Any act of retaliation, reprisal, or false accusation against any customer, volunteer, or employee who reports bullying and harassment will not be tolerated. Any customer who engages in the act of retaliation, reprisal, or who falsely accuses another shall be subjected to consequences as outlined in NPL’s Patron Rules of Conduct Policy.

Nashville Public Library Board. Resolution 2024-05.

Adopted, December 10, 2024.