dd7c3000__Situations___Dean_of_Students__Recommended_Responses
[Issue] General Disrespect: Cursing or inappropriate, but not threatening, language; either in person or in an electronic communication. Ex: A student sends you a disrespectful communication or speaks to you in a disrespectful manner. [Resource(s)] If the student is belligerent, call University Police [Recommended Responses] 
If the student is belligerent or blatantly threatening, call University Police. If there is no blatant threat, calmly remind yourself first that, depending upon the student’s background, not all students will perceive crass or vulgar language to be inappropriate. Take a breath (literally). Don’t escalate with the comments or take them personally. This is difficult, but the comments are meant to provoke. Handling them calmly may diffuse the situation and teach the student that this is not an effective means to get what is desired. Try a non-threatening, non-escalating “I” statement, such as: “As an educator, I do not speak to someone who uses vulgar/crass/disrespectful language. Let’s discuss this as adults.” Repeat this calmly if needed. An alternative would be: “I find your statements/email, etc., to be vulgar/inappropriate/disrespectful and others may, too. An alternative way to effectively communicate your point would be ….” This is a teachable moment; take advantage of it. Most students will calm down enough to have a conversation if you start with statements meant to de-escalate their frustration.
Response Guide for Difficult Student Situations — Dean of Students
Recommended Responses