Approved by New York State Sept. 13, 2010; Effective as of July 1, 2012 District DASA Coordinator: Philip Tamberino Phone: (631) 583-5626; Email: ptamberino@fi.k12.ny.us
According to the NYSED website, “The New York State Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act) seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.” This act, which in essence is wide-ranging anti-bullying legislation, takes a major step in creating more nurturing environments in schools throughout the state. As regulated by this act, the district will be responsible for collecting and reporting data regarding incidents of discrimination and harassment that occur in the environments protected by the act.
The legislation aims to protect all public elementary and secondary students who are subjected to intimidation or abuse based on actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex by fellow students or school personnel.
DASA applies to acts occurring on school property (including athletic fields, playgrounds and parking lots), in school buildings or on a school bus/vehicle, as well as at school-sponsored events or activities.
DASA defines harassment as the “creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being….”
For more information on DASA: Visit the New York State Education Department website: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact
DASA Complaint Form