The Dignity For All Students Act

1. The Dignity For All Students Act An Agent For School Climate Change

2. Goal of the Dignity Act • To provide a school environment free of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

3. Basics of the Dignity Act -The Dignity Act is a law as of July 1, 2012. -It addresses issues related to harassment, discrimination and bullying in schools. -School Codes of Conduct will be amended to reflect DASA regulations -Amends NYS Education Law (Section 801a) regarding instruction in civility, citizenship and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others and dignity.

4. No student shall be repeatedly subjected to harassment, discrimination or bullying by students or employees.

5. Awareness and Sensitivity • An additional goal is to raise sensitivity to potential acts of discrimination, harassment or bullying directed at students or adults by students or adults on school property or at school functions. • Enable staff to prevent and respond to incidents of harassment, discrimination and bullying.

6. Roslyn Middle SchoolDignity Act Coordinators • The following individuals serve as the Dignity Act Coordinators for our school: • Mr. Palmadesso-Principal • Ms. Scordo-Assistant Principal-Grade 6 • Mr. Johanson-Assistant Principal-Grades 7 & 8

7. Reporting Requirements • The nature of incidents of discrimination, harassment and bullying must be reported to New York State and must include: • The type of bias involved • Whether the incident resulted from student and/or adult conduct • Whether the incident involved physical contact and/or verbal threats, intimidation or abuse • The location where the incident occurred

8. Material Incident(s) of Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying • A single incident or series of related incidents which may include physical contact, verbal threats, intimidation and/or abuse which may result in… • interference with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or mental, emotional or physical well being or • reasonably cause or could be expected to cause a student to fear for his/her safety.

9. The Ideal SchoolHow We Would Like To See It • Respect for all • Awareness of harassment, discrimination and bullying by all constituents • Effective systems of reporting and responding in a timely manner • A culture of “upstander” behavior • Student engagement with our curriculum through the involvement all constituents

10. What is expected? • Civility • Citizenship • Character • Honesty • Tolerance • Responsibility • Respect • Dignity for All

11. The Eleven Named Protected ClassesSensitivity to Issues of Diversity • Race (Actual or Perceived) • Color • Weight (Size) • National Origin • Ethnic Group • Religion • Religious Practice • Disability • Sexual Orientation • Gender Identity • Sex

12. Our Role…Our Procedures • What is our plan when we receive a report of an incident of harassment, discrimination or bullying? • How do we keep track of incidents? • What is our philosophy for giving consequences? MILD-MODERATE-SEVERE • How do we support the victim?

13. Disciplinary Consequences • Mild Incident or First Time Report Examples may include name calling, exclusion or rumor spreading- Possible Consequences may include verbal warning, reprimand, parent notification, apology, counseling • Moderate Incident or Second Report Examples may include physical confrontation, repeat offense(s), threats or theft- Possible Consequences-parent notification of detention, in school or out of school suspension, counseling • Severe Incident or Third Report The individual poses a threat to self or other school constituents- Possible Consequences-parent notification of alternative school assignment, homebound instruction or law enforcement referral

14. Our School…Our Rules“Not in Our House” • What is a positive school climate? A positive school climate is an environment in which students feel safe and are ready to learn. • If you are not feeling safe in school, where can you go as a safe haven? • Counseling Office for Ms. Decker, Ms. Messina, Ms. Gray • Dr. LaRocca’s Office • Mr. Levenson’s Office • Mr. Johanson’s Office • Ms. Scordo’s Office • Ms. Collins’ Health Office • Mr. Palmadesso’s Office • A trusted teacher

15. Bullying Is A Type of Harassment • Bullying usually occurs repeatedly and over time, however it can be a single incident. • Bullying is an intentional act of aggression, based on an imbalance of power, meant to harm a victim physically or psychologically.

16. Cyberbullying Schools may address cyberbullying that takes place on campus: • through the district’s internet system or • through personal cell phones, cameras, personal computers and PDAs. Schools may address cyberbullying that takes place off campus such as: • Speech through technology which causes or threatens to cause disruption in school or interference with the rights of students or adults. • Speech through technology which causes emotional harm or danger to the victim or others.

17. Disciplinary Actions For Cyberbullying • Nothing prevents school officials from resolving cyberbullying concerns informally. • The parents/guardians of the cyberbully may be provided with a copy of the harmful on-line material if it is available and advised of their potential liability if they do not take proactive steps to stop the cyberbullying.

18. For more information: • http://www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/ • Or call 1-518-486-6090

19. References The information provided in this document was prepared by: • Nassau BOCES and The New York State Center for School Safety-June 13, 2012 and • New York State Dignity Act and Bully Prevention-Presented by Dr. Susan Lipkins and Dr. Karen Siris- Hofstra University-March 12, 2012