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New law requires more active approach to combat discrimination,
harassment and bullying
Students, staff, families and
community asked to create a culture of respect and tolerance in
schools
 The
New York State Dignity For All Students Act (Dignity
Act) was signed into law on September 13, 2010, and took
effect on July 1, 2012. This legislation amends three
sections of State Education Law, and creates a new
Article 2 – Dignity for All Students.
The Dignity Act states that 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.
The goal of the Dignity Act is to create a safe and
supportive school climate where students can learn and
focus, rather than fear being discriminated against
and/or verbally and/or physically harassed.
The Dignity Act applies to behavior on school property
(including athletic fields, playgrounds, and parking
lots), in school buildings, on a school bus/vehicle, as
well as at school-sponsored events or activities.
The Dignity Act amends Section 801-a of NYS Education Law
regarding instruction in civility, citizenship and
character education by expanding the concepts of
tolerance, respect for others, and dignity.
As a result of the Dignity Act, the Board of Regents
amended Commissioner's Regulation 100.2(c) to include
classroom instruction that supports the development of a
school environment free of discrimination and
harassment.
The Dignity Act also amends Section 2801 of the Education
Law, instructing Boards of Education to include language
in district codes of conduct to comply with the Dignity
Act.
 The Dignity Act requires schools to:
• Talk to their students and staff annually about the
behavioral expectations in the code of conduct.
• Provide and explain a student bill of rights and
responsibilities written in plain language that focuses
upon positive student behavior and a safe and supportive
school climate. students and staff annually about the
behavioral expectations in the code of conduct.
• Train district staff for increased awareness and
sensitivity to potential discrimination or harassment
and equip them to prevent and respond to discrimination
or harassment. The new law requires staff "who know or
reasonably should know of possible harassment, must take
immediate and appropriate action to investigate or
otherwise determine what occurred."
• Take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to
end harassment that has occurred, eliminate any hostile
environment and prevent it from reoccurring.
Boards of Education are also required to ensure that their
communities are aware of their new code of conduct.
Family and community involvement is essential for a new
culture of respect to take root in school.
HFM BOCES code of conduct is posted online here, and is
updated as policies are reviewed and updated.
Dignity Act Coordinator
At least one employee in every school shall be designated
as a Dignity Act Coordinator and thoroughly trained in
methods to respond to human relations in the areas of
race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group,
religion, religious practices, disability, sexual
orientation, gender, or sex.
HFM BOCES Dignity Act Coordinators:
Career and Technical Education
Charis Kakavelos 736-4681 x4627,
ckakavelos@hfmboces.org
Special Education - 736-4350
Scott Dellis
sdellis@hfmboces.org
Ryan Collins
rcollins@hfmboces.org
Dan Salvagni
dsalvagni@hfmboces.org
Kristen Michaels (Mayfield)
Erin Bray (Boulevard Elementary, Gloversville)
Holly Hisert Joyner (Warren St. Elementary, Johnstown)
Shay France (Gloversville Middle School and High School)
Maddelena Calabro (Knox Junior HS, Johnstown)
Alternative Education
Richard Riccio, 736-4321,
rriccio@hfmboces.org
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