Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

The Dignity for All Students Act states:

"No student shall be subjected to harassment by employees or students on school property or at a school 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 (including gender identity or expression), or sex by school employees or students on school property or at a school function."

The intent of the Dignity for All Students Act (Dignity Act) is to provide all public school students with an environment free from discrimination and harassment, as well as to foster civility in public schools. The Dignity Act also focuses on prevention of harassment and discriminatory behaviors through the promotion of educational measures meant to positively impact school culture and climate.

Among the Dignity Act’s provisions, is the requirement that all public school districts (districts) and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) include provisions in their Codes of Conduct prohibiting the discrimination and harassment against students by students and/or school employees on school property or at a school function, as well as provisions for responding to acts of discrimination and harassment against students by students and/or school employees. The Dignity Act upholds New York State’s commitment to provide safe and orderly schools for its students.

The Dignity Act emphasizes the importance of tolerance and respect for others by students and staff alike. Therefore, all members of the school community, including essential partners such as superintendents, school board members, parents, students, teachers, principals/administrators, counselors, support staff and other school personnel have particularly important roles to play in its implementation.

For further information about the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) click here: NYS Dignity for All Students Act Resource Guide