Dignity for All Students (DASA)
In September 2010, the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) was established to promote a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.
“No Student shall be subjected to harassment or bullying by employees or students on school property or at a school function; nor shall any student be subjected to discrimination based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), or sex.” (N.Y. Educ. Law: 11(7); 8 NYCRR: 100.2(1)(2).) (State Education Laws of 2010, Effective: July 1, 2012)
Under the Dignity Act, schools are responsible for collecting and reporting data regarding material incidents of discrimination and harassment.
For more information about Dignity for All Students Act, click here: Dignity for All Students Act
District-Wide Dignity Act Coordinator
Building-Level Dignity Act Coordinators
Glossary of Terms
for the School Safety and Educational Climate (SSEC) Reporting System
(Effective July 1, 2021, starting in the 2021-22 School Year)
What is a Material Incident of Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying (Excluding Cyberbullying)?
A single verified incident or a series of related verified incidents where a student is subjected to harassment, bullying, and/or discrimination by a student and/or employee on school property or at school function. (2) In addition, such term shall include a verified incident or series of related incidents of harassment or bullying that occur off school property, as defined in Commissioner's regulation:100.2(kk)(1)(viii). Such conduct shall include, but is not limited to, threats, intimidation or abuse based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.
What is discrimination?
Discrimination, as defined by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), is the “denial of equal treatment, admission and/or access to programs, facilities and services based on the person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity), or sex.
What is harassment?
Harassment is the creation of a hostile environment that has or would have the effect of interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities for learning, or mental, emotional or physical well-being.
What is bullying?
Bullying is defined as a form of unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance and that is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as; making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally and excluding someone from a group on purpose. (Dignity for All Students Act requirements for Schools).
Please note the following “elements of bullying” do not solely determine whether an incident is material: Imbalance of power, repetition, and intent to harm.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is defined as harassment or bullying that occurs through any form of electronic communication (Ed. Law: 11(8)) including, but not limited to cell phones, computers, and tablets, or other communication tools, including social media, text messages, chat rooms and websites.
For more information on definitions please visit Glossary of Terms and Dignity For all Students Act Guidance.
Reporting an Incident
- School staff members will continue to report incidents of discrimination, harassment and bullying by filling out the building behavior referral form. Discrimination, harassment and bullying should be reported immediately to a building administrator or the DASA coordinator. We encourage students to tell a parent or guardian or staff member if they are experiencing any misbehavior at school.
- Once reported to an administrator or DASA coordinator a written report must be submitted no later than TWO school days after making an oral report.
- The principal, superintendent or DASA coordinator will be responsible to lead a thorough investigation of all reports and to ensure that such investigations are completed promptly after receiving any written report.
- The principal is required to make regular annual reports on data and trends related to discrimination, harassment, or bullying.
What Will Be Included in a Report?
- What: The type(s) of bias involved - including, but not limited to the 11 protected areas (race, color, weight, national origin, ethic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex)
- Who: Whether the incident resulted from a student and/or employee
- How: Whether the incident involved physical conduct and/or threats, intimidation or abuse
- Where: Location where the incident took place