Fairport Central School District

BACKGROUND

In 2010, NYS leaders approved the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) to help ensure that schools have the tools and resources to afford all students an educational environment in which they can thrive. The statewide task force developed guidelines, with each school district developing its program for implementation on July 1, 2012.

Fairport began the process with the creation of its DASA Task Force comprised of teachers, support staff, parents, students, and administrators.

The focus is on ensuring that all students attending Fairport schools are in a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying whether in the classroom, on school property, on a school bus and/or at a school function.

About DASA

Q: Who’s protected under the Dignity Act?
A. The Act applies to the protection of all public elementary and secondary school students and prohibits the harassment and discrimination of students by students and by school personnel.

Q: How does the Dignity Act relate to bullying and hazing?
A: Bullying and hazing are forms of harassment and discrimination.

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

Q: Doesn’t Fairport already have anti-bullying programs?
A: Yes, Fairport has many excellent programs in place. For example, Asset Building, the Gay-Straight Alliance, and Brotherhood-Sisterhood week promote awareness that address the problems of harassment and bullying. The DASA requirements would not eliminate these programs. They would provide structures for even more comprehensive and consistent training and intervention.

Q: How does the Dignity Act relate to a school’s Code of Conduct?
A: The Code of Conduct must be amended to reflect the prohibition of discrimination and harassment of students by students or staff.

Q: Does the Dignity Act require any training?
A: Yes. The Dignity Act mandates that schools provide training for all employees to increase awareness and sensitivity to discrimination or harassment and civility in the relations of all people.