DASA

DASA (The Dignity for All Students Act)

New York State’s 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.

The Dignity Act was signed into law on September 13, 2010 and took effect on July 1, 2012. Amendments to the act are effective as of July 1, 2013

BACKGROUND: In 2010, NYS leaders approved the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) to help ensure that schools have the tools and resources to afford all students an educational environment in which they can thrive. The statewide task force developed guidelines, with each school district developing its program for initial implementation on July 1, 2012. The Dignity for All Students Act was amended as of July 1, 2013. The focus is on ensuring that all students attending Hoosick Falls Central School District are in a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying whether in the classroom, on school property, on a school bus and/or at a school function/activity.

About DASA

Q: Who’s protected under the Dignity Act? A: The Act applies to the protection of all public elementary and secondary school students and prohibits the harassment and discrimination of students by students and by school Personnel.

Q: How does the Dignity Act relate to bullying and hazing? A: Bullying and hazing are forms of harassment and discrimination.

Q: What physical spaces are covered? A: The Dignity Act applies to behavior on school property (including athletic fields, playgrounds, and parking lots), in school buildings, on a school bus/vehicle, and at school sponsored events or activities. The Dignity Act also applies to cyberbullying that occurs off school grounds and creates or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption to the student in the school environment.

Q: Doesn’t Hoosick Falls Central School already have anti-bullying programs? A: Yes, HFCS has many excellent programs in place. The DASA requirements would not eliminate these programs. They would provide structures for even more comprehensive and consistent training and intervention.

Q: How does the Dignity Act relate to a school’s Code of Conduct? A: The Code of Conduct has been amended to reflect the prohibition of discrimination and harassment of students by students or staff.

Q: Does the Dignity Act require any training? A: Yes. The Dignity Act mandates that schools provide training for all employees to increase awareness and sensitivity to discrimination or harassment and civility in the relations of all people. Designated staff in both schools are thoroughly trained to handle relationships and conflicts in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion or religious practice, disability, sexual orientation or gender. The Dignity Act Coordinators will ensure that trained personnel will be accessible for consultation and advice regarding the expectations of the Dignity for All Students Act.

To report a possible DASA violation contact please contact a school administrator, counselor, social worker, or one of the following:

Grades UPK-6 DASA Coordinator (518) 686-9492, Jess Etien

Grades 7-12 DASA Coordinator (518) 686-7321, Corie Rushman