New York State Dignity For All Students Act (Dignity Act): An Overview
New York State Education Law Article 2 (effective July 1, 2012) www.nysed.gov www.ossining.k12.ny.us
It is hereby declared to be the policy of New York State to afford all students in public schools an environment free of discrimination and harassment.
No student shall be subjected to harassment, discrimination, or bullying by employees or students
Regulatory Amendments
The amendment to 100.2(l) requires Codes of Conduct to include:
provisions prohibiting discrimination and harassment against any student by employees or students Unreasonable and substantial interference Fear for his or her physical safety Prohibited conduct
Regulatory Amendments
Instruction that supports development of a Discrimination free school environment
Raising awareness and sensitivity of students and staff Civility, citizenship, and character education
Dignity Act, Code of Conduct, and Federal Civil Rights Laws School district may violate Federal civil rights statutes and U.S.E.D. regulations when peer harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, or disability is sufficiently serious that it causes a hostile environment and such harassment is encouraged, tolerated, not adequately addressed, or ignored by school staff. www.stopbullying.gov/laws/federal
Code of Conduct
Harassment
Hostile environment
conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his/her physical safety and based on individual’s actual or perceived: Race Color Weight National origin Ethnic group Religion Religious practice Disability Sexual orientation Gender or sex
Code of Conduct
Bullying
Discrimination
Three kinds: verbal, physical, and social/relational Systemic and intentional infliction Unwanted purposeful written, verbal, non-verbal social, or physical behavior Imbalance of power Denying rights, benefits, justice, equitable treatment or access to an individual or group of people
Cyber-bullying
Use of any electronic communication technology to bully or harass
Material Incidents of Harassment and Discrimination
A single incident or series of related incidents where a student is subjected to harassment and/or discrimination by a student or school employee on school property or at a school function that creates a hostile environment by conduct, with or without physical contact and/or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse, of such severe or pervasive nature that it has the following effects:
Unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance
Reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety
School Climate and Culture
Promotes civility and creates a safe nurturing environment
Established behavioral expectations
Provides a response to students who are harassed and bullied at school Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS)
Effectively addressing the behavior
School Dignity Act Coordinator (DAC) At least one employee in every school is designated as a DAC The District-Wide Dignity Act Coordinator is Dr. Corey W. Reynolds The Transportation Dignity Act Coordinator is Mr. Jim Minihan
Reporting
Report harassment, discrimination, and bullying behavior immediately to DAC Bullying, Harassment, and/or Discrimination Complaint Form Document the bullying, harassment, or discrimination as soon as it occurs and with details Violation of Dignity Act Policy will result in prompt corrective and possibly disciplinary action
Where Can School Staff Get More Information? www.stopbullying.gov NYS Education Department www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact NYS Center for School Safety
[email protected] www.facebook.com/dignityact www.ossiningufsd.org
