DIGNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS

New York State Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) The goal of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which took effect July 1, 2012, is to provide students with a safe, supportive educational environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying. DASA 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.

Ulster BOCES DASA Coordinators

Under the new legislation, at least one employee in every school shall be designated as a Dignity Act Coordinator and will be thoroughly trained in methods to respond to human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practices, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex. If you are a victim of, or witness to, an act of bullying, harassment, or discrimination, talk to your teacher, School Counselor or a Dignity Act Coordinator.

Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Port Ewen – 845.339.8722
Christina Rutella, Principal, Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Port Ewen

Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at anna devine – 845.334.5915
Gwen Kramer-Gold, Principal, Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Anna Devine

Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at mt. marion – 845.334.5930
Tonya Griffiths, Principal, Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning at Mt. Marion

Career & Technical Education – 845.331.6680
Joseph Salamone, Principal, Career & Technical Center

Hudson Valley Pathways Academy – 845.688.6117
Amy Storenski, Principal, Hudson Valley Pathways Academy 

Phoenix Academy – 845.334.5910
Joseph Salamone, Principal, Phoenix Academy 

A DASA Complaint Form is available for any parent, student, bystander, or victim who would like to file a complaint. The form can be handed in to any Ulster BOCES employee. This form is also available in all the buildings.

SUBMIT DASA Complaint Form

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DASA

Who is protected by the Dignity for All Students Act?
All public elementary and secondary school students are protected by the Dignity Act.

How does the Dignity Act relate to bullying?
Bullying can be a form of harassment and discrimination.

What physical spaces are covered by the Dignity Act?
The Dignity Act applies to behavior on school property (including athletic fields, playgrounds, and parking lots), in school buildings, on a school bus/vehicle, as well as at school-sponsored events or activities.

How does the Dignity Act affect the School’s Code of Conduct?
Under the Dignity Act, the school district’s code of conduct must include age appropriate, plain language that prohibits discrimination and harassment against any student by employees or other students that creates a hostile environment.

Where can I find the district’s Code of Conduct?
A full text of the Ulster BOCES Code of Conduct is posted on the district website.

How is a hostile environment defined?
A hostile environment may occur with or without physical contact and/or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse. If the conduct unreasonably and substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, mental, emotional and/or physical well-being or if a student fears for his or her physical safety, a hostile environment exists.

What is required of the school?
All students must be informed annually of the behavioral expectations in the code of conduct. Training for staff will be provided to raise their awareness and sensitivity to potential discrimination or harassment and how to prevent and respond to discrimination or harassment. Staff who know—or reasonably should know—of possible harassment must take immediate and appropriate action to investigate or otherwise determine what occurred. When harassment has occurred, staff must take prompt and effective steps to end it, eliminate any hostile environment, and prevent it from reoccurring.

RESOURCES

Download the NYCLU's What is DASA? document.