Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

Dignity for All Students

The Board of Education recognizes that learning environments that are safe and supportive can increase student attendance and improve academic achievement. A student’s ability to learn and achieve high academic standards, and a school’s ability to educate students, is compromised by incidents of discrimination or harassment, including but not limited to bullying, cyberbullying, taunting and intimidation. Therefore, in accordance with the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), Education Law, Article 2, the District will strive to create an environment free of discrimination and harassment and will foster civility in the schools to prevent and prohibit conduct which is inconsistent with the District’s educational mission.

The District condemns and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment of students based on actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex by school employees or students on school property, and at school sponsored activities and events that take place at locations off school property. This also includes cyberbullying. In addition, any act of discrimination or harassment, outside of school-sponsored events, which can reasonably be expected to materially and substantially disrupt the education process may be subject to discipline.

Reports of Discrimination and Harassment

The District will investigate all complaints of harassment, discrimination and cyberbullying, either formal or informal, and take prompt corrective measures, as necessary. Complaints will be investigated in accordance with applicable policies and regulations. If, after an appropriate investigation, the District finds that this policy has been violated, corrective action will be taken in accordance with District policies and regulations, the Code of Conduct, and all appropriate federal or state laws. Reports of harassment, discrimination, and cyberbullying are to be made to our Dignity Act Coordinator, Mr. Shawn McKane.  (see contact information below)

Prohibition of Retaliatory Behavior

Any person who has reasonable cause to suspect that a student has been subjected to discrimination or harassment by an employee or student, on school grounds, by use of computer, or at a school function, who acts reasonably and in good faith and reports such information to school officials or law enforcement authorities, shall have immunity from any civil liability that may arise from making such report. The Board prohibits any retaliatory behavior directed at complainants, victims, witness and/or any other individuals who participated in the investigation of a complaint of discrimination or harassment.