The Dignity For All Students Act

An Agent For School Climate Change

Goal of the Dignity Act

• To provide a school environment free of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

Basics of the Dignity Act

-The Dignity Act is a law as of July 1, 2012.-It addresses issues related to harassment, discrimination and bullying in schools.-School Codes of Conduct will be amended to reflect DASA regulations-Amends NYS Education Law (Section 801a) regarding instruction in civility, citizenship and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others and dignity.

• No student shall be repeatedly subjected to harassment, discrimination or bullying by students or employees.

Awareness and Sensitivity

• An additional goal is to raise sensitivity to potential acts of discrimination, harassment or bullying directed at students or adults by students or adults on school property or at school functions.

• Enable staff to prevent and respond to incidents of harassment, discrimination and bullying.

Roslyn Middle SchoolDignity Act Coordinators

• The following individuals serve as the Dignity Act Coordinators for our school:

• Mr. Palmadesso-Principal• Ms. Scordo-Assistant Principal-Grade 6• Mr. Johanson-Assistant Principal-Grades 7 & 8

Reporting Requirements

• The nature of incidents of discrimination, harassment and bullying must be reported to New York State and must include:

• The type of bias involved• Whether the incident resulted from student

and/or adult conduct• Whether the incident involved physical contact

and/or verbal threats, intimidation or abuse• The location where the incident occurred

Material Incident(s) of Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying

• A single incident or series of related incidents which may include physical contact, verbal threats, intimidation and/or abuse which may result in…

• interference with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or mental, emotional or physical well being or

• reasonably cause or could be expected to cause a student to fear for his/her safety.

The Ideal SchoolHow We Would Like To See It

• Respect for all• Awareness of harassment, discrimination and

bullying by all constituents• Effective systems of reporting and responding

in a timely manner• A culture of “upstander” behavior• Student engagement with our curriculum

through the involvement all constituents

What is expected?

• Civility• Citizenship• Character• Honesty• Tolerance• Responsibility• Respect • Dignity for All

The Eleven Named Protected ClassesSensitivity to Issues of Diversity

• Race (Actual or Perceived)• Color• Weight (Size)• National Origin• Ethnic Group• Religion• Religious Practice• Disability• Sexual Orientation• Gender Identity• Sex

Our Role…Our Procedures

• What is our plan when we receive a report of an incident of harassment, discrimination or bullying?

• How do we keep track of incidents?• What is our philosophy for giving

consequences? MILD-MODERATE-SEVERE• How do we support the victim?

Disciplinary Consequences• Mild Incident or First Time ReportExamples may include name calling, exclusion or rumor spreading-Possible Consequences may include verbal warning, reprimand, parent notification, apology, counseling

• Moderate Incident or Second ReportExamples may include physical confrontation, repeat offense(s), threats or theft-Possible Consequences-parent notification of detention, in school or out of school suspension, counseling

• Severe Incident or Third ReportThe individual poses a threat to self or other school constituents-Possible Consequences-parent notification of alternative school assignment, homebound instruction or law enforcement referral

Our School…Our Rules“Not in Our House”

• What is a positive school climate?A positive school climate is an environment in which students feel safe and are ready to learn.

• If you are not feeling safe in school, where can you go as a safe haven?

• Counseling Office for Ms. Decker, Ms. Messina, Ms. Gray • Dr. LaRocca’s Office• Mr. Levenson’s Office• Mr. Johanson’s Office• Ms. Scordo’s Office• Ms. Collins’ Health Office• Mr. Palmadesso’s Office• A trusted teacher

Bullying Is A Type of Harassment

• Bullying usually occurs repeatedly and over time, however it can be a single incident.

• Bullying is an intentional act of aggression, based on an imbalance of power, meant to harm a victim physically or psychologically.

Cyberbullying

Schools may address cyberbullying that takes place on campus:• through the district’s internet system or• through personal cell phones, cameras, personal computers and

PDAs.

Schools may address cyberbullying that takes place off campus such as:• Speech through technology which causes or threatens to cause

disruption in school or interference with the rights of students or adults.

• Speech through technology which causes emotional harm or danger to the victim or others.

Disciplinary Actions For Cyberbullying

• Nothing prevents school officials from resolving cyberbullying concerns informally.

• The parents/guardians of the cyberbully may be provided with a copy of the harmful on-line material if it is available and advised of their potential liability if they do not take proactive steps to stop the cyberbullying.

For more information:

• http://www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/

• Or call 1-518-486-6090

References

The information provided in this document was prepared by:

• Nassau BOCES and The New York State Center for School Safety-June 13, 2012

and• New York State Dignity Act and Bully Prevention-

Presented by Dr. Susan Lipkins and Dr. Karen Siris- Hofstra University-March 12, 2012