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Be a champion
of dignity and respect
Dignity For All Students Act requires a more active approach to combat
discrimination, harassment and bullying
 SEPT
11, 2012 - Students returned to school last week
protected by a new law that seeks to encourage a extra level of
respect and tolerance in public school classrooms across New
York State.
The Dignity For All
Students Act amends education law regarding character education
taught in schools, and seeks to create an unfriendly environment
for those who bully or harass others.
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 new law applies
to behavior on school property (including athletic fields,
playgrounds, and parking lots), on school bus or other vehicle,
as well as at any school-sponsored event or activity. While the
language of the law addresses school districts, the law applies
to BOCES across the state as well.
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, verbally harassed or physically attacked.
More than just a do
and don’t list of student behavior, the new law maps out
expectations for school districts that includes staff training
to raise awareness and sensitivity to potential discrimination
or harassment and instruct staff respond and prevent acts of
harassment.
In addition,
students, their parents and the district staff will receive an
annual update on the Dignity Act to ensure everyone has a clear
understanding of what is expected from them.
Districts’ boards
of education are also required to appoint a Dignity Act
Coordinator in each school. This person will be trained to
handle human relations situations in the areas of race, color,
weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious
practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender and sex.
Processes for responding and reporting incidences of harassment
have also been defined by the New York State Education
Department. (HFM Dignity Act
Coordinators)
Because 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.
 Implications of the
new law will reach deeply into the culture of every school,
influencing curriculum, teaching and counseling methods, school
activities and resources, teacher training, communications and
security procedures, all intended to promote respect for
diversity and eliminate bias-based behavior.
“In light of the
Dignity Act, HFM BOCES has reaffirmed its long-standing
commitment to a safe and secure learning environment. The
success of our mission to create educational opportunity through
collaboration and innovative leadership relies on that
foundation,” HFM BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Patrick
Michel said. “The Dignity Act provides a framework to help
cultivate a more respectful culture at BOCES.”
Learn more about
the Dignity For All Students Act
here.
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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