The Dignity for All Students Act – or DASA – was signed into New York State law in September 2010 and took effect in July 2012  to promote a safe and supportive learning environment in all public and charter schools, free from harassment and discrimination for students and adults.

This legislation amended State Education Law by creating a new Article 2 – Dignity for All Students. DASA also amended Section 801-a of New York State Education Law regarding instruction in civility, citizenship, and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others and dignity to include: an awareness and sensitivity in the relations of people, including but not limited to, different races, weights, national origins, ethnic groups, religions, religious practices, mental or physical abilities, sexual orientations, gender identity, and sexes.

DASA further amended Section 2801 of the Education Law by requiring Boards of Education to include language addressing The Dignity Act in their codes of conduct. Additionally, under the Dignity Act, schools are responsible for collecting and reporting data regarding material incidents of discrimination and harassment.

Under DASA, NO student shall be subjected to harassment or discrimination by employees or students on school property, or at a school function, based on their actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.

If this is happening to you or someone you know, please report it to administration, guidance, nurse or an adult.

If you are a student, the parent/guardian of a student, a volunteer or visitor, and wish to report an incident of alleged harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, complete the DASA form. It should returned to the district office.