By Cheryl Paradis, Psy.D., Psychology Today
It was a shock to hear about the shootings at the University of Alabama and the arrest of assistant biology professor Amy Bishop. As a forensic psychologist, I am always aware that I could be hurt by a defendant I am interviewing, but, like most people, I never imagine that I could be hurt by a co-worker.
Dr. Bishop is accused of killing three colleagues and injuring three others during a faculty meeting. Her court-appointed attorney, who seems to be laying the foundation for a psychiatric defense, told the press that she is mentally ill and has claimed amnesia for the time of the shooting.
I have evaluated many defendants who have killed family members, acquaintances, and strangers, and I have seen how seemingly stable people are driven to the breaking point. As an associate professor at a small liberal arts college, I also have first-hand knowledge of the pressures of academic life. College professors at prestigious institutions-and untenured faculty just about everywhere-work under high levels of stress. Academics must “publish or perish” to survive the zero-sum game of the tenure track process. Those who are denied tenure are essentially fired.
Read more…

Workplace Connecting the Dots: Information Sharing to Prevent Violence
Coming into force on June 15, 2010, Bill 168 requires every employer in Ontario with more than five workers to develop a violence risk assessment and implementing a policy and program to prevent and manage workplace violence and harassment. This half day Gowling’s seminar will provide a detailed legal analysis of Bill 168 and outline a practical plan for compliance.
The Bully at Work: What You Can Do to Stop the Hurt and Reclaim Your Dignity on the Job