The Disruptive Behavior Policy at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Lauderdale

VALUES:

We Value Diversity. We are an intentionally diverse congregation. One of our prime values — expressed in our denomination's purposes and principles — is openness to a wide variety of individuals in an atmosphere of mutual respect. In this spirit, there will be no attempt to define "acceptable behavior" in advance.

We Value a Safe Environment. On behalf of our members, friends, staff, and guest, we affirm the belief that our congregation must maintain a safe and secure environment where such openness can thrive. When any person's physical and/or emotional well-being or freedom to safely express his or her beliefs or opinions is threatened, the source of this threat must be addressed firmly and promptly, even if this ultimately requires the expulsion of the offending person or persons.

We Value Healthy Human Relationships. We strive to practice justice, equity and compassion in human relations and are committed to the use of the democratic process. Persons identified as disruptive will be dealt with as individuals, avoiding the use of stereotypes.

RATIONALE:

There have been times when an individual has demonstrated disruptive behavior within the church that has lead to concerns being voiced about one or more of the following:

Perceived threats to the safety of any adult or child;
The disruption of church activities;
Diminishment of the appeal of the church to its existing or potential members

POLICY:

The following shall be the policy of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ft. Lauderdale in dealing with these issues:

Disruptive behavior does not need to be tolerated.

1. Immediate Response: If an immediate response is required, the Minister or a church leader should draw the person aside and state that the behavior is not acceptable. If necessary, this may include asking the offending person(s) to leave or suspending the meeting or activity until such a time as it can safely be resumed.
If further assistance is required, the Police Department may be called.

After any these actions are undertaken, the following are required:

If the Minister was not present, the Minister must be notified.
The Board of Trustees must be notified including a written summary.

2. Board of Trustees Review: The Board will proceed using its own judgment.

To aid in evaluating the problem, the following points will be considered:

DANGEROUSNESS:

Is the individual the source of a threat or perceived threat to persons or property?

DISRUPTIVENESS:

How much interference with church functions is going on?

OFFENSIVENESS:

How likely is it that existing or prospective members will be driven away?

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?

HISTORY:

What is the frequency and degree of disruption caused in the past?

PROBABILITY
OF CHANGE:

How likely is it that the problem behavior will diminish in the future?

3. Board of Trustees Action: The Board will decide on the necessary response on a case-by-case basis, with the following suggestions:

CONVERSATION:

The Minister and/or Church leader shall meet with the offending individual(s) to communicate the concern.

WARNING
LETTER:

The offending individual is excluded from the church and/or specific church activities for a limited period of time. This is communicated through a letter from the Board with reasons and conditions of return made clear.

EXCLUSION
LETTER:

The offending individual is permanently excluded from the Church premises and all Church activities. Before this is carried out, a letter will be sent by the Board explaining the expulsion and the individual's rights and possible recourse.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ft. Lauderdale 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 as a whole must be given priority over the privileges and inclusion of the individual. To the degree the disruptive behavior compromises the health of this congregation, our actions as people of faith must reflect this emphasis on security.

Approved by the Board of Trustees

January 6, 2001

Complaint Regarding Disruptive Behavior

Date of Incident: __________________________________ Time: ______ AM / PM

Place / Setting / Occasion (as appropriate): ___________________________

Description of Incident: (use the back or additional sheets as necessary)

Action(s) Taken, if any and by whom: Date: _________ Time: _____ AM/PM

Identification of Person(s) Involved:

Complaint Submitted: Received by Church:

Printed Name Printed Name

Signature Signature

Date / Time Date / Time

Warning Letter #1

Date

Dear Mr./Ms.

It has been reported to the Minister that you have behaved in a disruptive/inappropriate manner during the service/dinner/other function. At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ft. Lauderdale, we honor and respect the worth and dignity of each individual. Therefore, we expect all members and friends to behave in a way that will not make others feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Please contact the Minister or our Congregation’s President ______ to discuss this matter at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your cooperation.

Yours truly,

President

For the Board of Trustees

Warning Letter #2

Date

Dear Mr./Ms.

It has been reported to the Minister that despite verbal and written warning, you have continued to behave in a disruptive/inappropriate manner during services/coffee hour/other at the Unitarian Universalist Church.

Further behavior of this nature may result in possible legal action by the church. Please contact the Minister or President to discuss this matter immediately.

Yours truly,

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DANGEROUSNESS:	Is the individual the source of a threat or perceived threat to persons or property?
DISRUPTIVENESS:	How much interference with church functions is going on?
OFFENSIVENESS:	How likely is it that existing or prospective members will be driven away?
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?
HISTORY:	What is the frequency and degree of disruption caused in the past?
PROBABILITY OF CHANGE:	How likely is it that the problem behavior will diminish in the future?

CONVERSATION:	The Minister and/or Church leader shall meet with the offending individual(s) to communicate the concern.
WARNING LETTER:	The offending individual is excluded from the church and/or specific church activities for a limited period of time. This is communicated through a letter from the Board with reasons and conditions of return made clear.
EXCLUSION LETTER:	The offending individual is permanently excluded from the Church premises and all Church activities. Before this is carried out, a letter will be sent by the Board explaining the expulsion and the individual's rights and possible recourse.