Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act) took effect on July 1, 2012. The goal of the Dignity Act is to provide students a school environment that is safe, supportive and free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, on a school bus, and/or at a school function. The Dignity Act also amended Section 801-a of New York State Education Law regarding instruction in civility, citizenship, and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others and dignity.  The Dignity Act states that no student shall be subjected to harassment or discrimination by employees or students based on their actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (defined to include gender identity or expression), and sex.

We understand the impact bullying and harassment can have on a school environment. Bullying creates a climate of fear and makes learning difficult for all students. The new law calls for each school to appoint a Dignity Act Coordinator who is trained to address issues in areas protected by the law and is accessible to the school community. The Dignity Act Coordinators at LCSD are the principals of each school. The names and contact information for each principal are listed above.