This new law, passed in 2010 is an attempt to stiffen the anti-bulling polices in NYS schools and school events. According to WCS officials, an initial draft policy has been created with revisions still to be made but the board is confident it will be inplace prior to the July 1st deadline. 

The Dignity Act also creates a framework for promoting a more positive school culture through sensitivity training and classroom curricula on diversity. One employee from each school will need to attend an intensive training program. This person will become the school’s designated contact for handling bullying. They will be trained to recognize and respond effectively to harassment and bullying, and implement strategies to prevent it. Incidents of bullying will be reported to the New York State Education Department on at least an annual basis so the state can evaluate the schools’ performance.

The Dignity Act is intended to give students in public schools an educational environment free from discrimination and harassment. It protects against all forms of harassment, particularly those based on a student’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex. The Dignity Act will prohibit activities that create a hostile environment at school and school sponsored events. These activities can include aggressive conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse that unreasonably and substantially interferes with another student’s educational performance.