Dignity for All Students Act - The Official Bill
The Dignity for All Students Act is a New York State bill currently waiting for a vote in the NY Senate. This bill authorizes the commissioner of education to establish policies and procedures affording all students in public schools an environment free of harassment and discrimination based on actual or perceived race, national origin, ethnic group, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex. This bill requires school districts to develop procedures which create a school environment free of discrimination and harassment and to establish guidelines for training school personnel. School districts must also establish guidelines for development of nondiscriminatory instructional and counseling methods and require that at least one member of each school`s staff be trained to handle human relations in the areas in which discrimination and harassment are prohibited. The Commissioner of Education is to provide advice, which may include model policies, and direct services, to the extent possible, to help districts prevent discrimination and harassment. The commissioner will also provide grants, from funds appropriated for such purpose, to local school districts to assist them in implementing the guidelines provided for by the bill. To see the bill in its entirety, visit Assembly Version or go to Senate Bill Search and search for bill #S1571.
How does it affect my child?
All students need a safe, welcoming and affirming environment in school in order to concentrate on their academic and personal growth. They should never have to be preoccupied by the threat or actual occurrence of harassment or discrimination, be it verbal or physical, either from school employees or fellow students. The Dignity for All Students Act promotes civility among students and between students and teachers. It will also help create an atmosphere where learning is paramount and distractions to learning are minimized. Moreover, the Act provides a response to the large numbers of harassed and stigmatized students skipping school and engaging in high risk behaviors like drug use, alcohol abuse, and perhaps even suicide. No child or teen should ever be pushed to such extremes because of an intolerable environment in his or her school. By prohibiting harassment in public schools and establishing the procedures called for by the bill, the "Dignity for All Students Act" takes a major step in creating more nurturing environments in all our schools. Students are harrassed and discriminated against for numerous reasons, including physical size, race, glasses, and dress. Any difference is noticed and picked apart by bullies. Children often feel alone and threatened at school.
LGBT Community Support
This bill is largely supported by the LGBT community due to the high percentage of gay youth who commit suicide from consistent harassment by their peers. This bill covers more than just the LGBT community, and needs the support of every member of the New York State community.