What is the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)?

 DASA is a New York State policy, which affords ALL students in public schools an environment free of discrimination and harassment

 Dignity Act § 11: Harassment – the creation of a hostile environment by:

• Conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for their physical safety

• Conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse includes but is not limited to conduct, verbal 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.

Why is the Dignity Act needed in New York State?

 •The Dignity Act promotes civility and creates a safe nurturing environment.

 •The Dignity Act provides a response to students who are harassed and bullied at school.

How does the Dignity Act Relate to the Code of Conduct?

 § 12.  Discrimination and Harassment Prohibited

No student shall be subjected to harassment by employees or students on school property or at a school sponsored 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 identity, or sex by school employees or students on school property or at a school sponsored function.

Schools must develop guidelines and policies to address bias-based bullying. Burgard is committed to creating a school environment that is free of discrimination and harassment by:

-          Training all staff on bullying issues;

-          Implementing services to address the needs of the bully and victim;

-          Creating a safe and confidential reporting mechanism;

-          Incorporating anti-bullying and tolerance in all students’ curriculum; and

-          Developing a strong character education program.

Parents must communicate and develop a strategy with their child to address bullying which includes:

-          Supporting your child’s healthy relationships;

-          Setting boundaries with technology;

-          Building your child’s self-esteem;

-          Reporting the incident and not encouraging your child to handle the situation themselves or resort to violence; and

-          Identifying an adult your child can seek out for help.

Students must demonstrate mutual respect and understanding of each other and their differences. Students are expected to:

-          Report bullying and cyber-bullying;

-          Not bullying back; and

-          Refuse to be an accomplice/bystander.