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Unadilla Valley CSD

Dignity for All Students Act

Dignity for All Students Act

Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

The goal of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which took effect July 1, 2013, is to provide students with a safe, supportive educational environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying. DASA states that no student shall be subjected to harassment or discrimination by employees or students on school property or at a school function based on their actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.

Some of the law requirements include establishing anti-harassment and discrimination policies, creating school training programs, and including a course in civility, citizenship, and character education in the curriculum for every grade level.

District DASA Coordinators

Under the new legislation, at least one employee in every school shall be designated as a Dignity Act Coordinator and thoroughly trained in methods to respond to human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practices, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex. If you are a victim of or witness to an act of bullying, harassment, or discrimination, talk to your teacher, guidance counselor, or a DASA Coordinator.

  • Elementary School: Liz Pizzuto, School Counselor, 607-847-7500, ext. 4151

  • Jr/Sr High School: Kevin Nial, Student Advocate, 607-847-7500, ext. 3211

DASA Reporting Form

Please use the following form to report DASA violations:

DASA Reporting Form

Frequently Asked Questions about DASA

  • All public students are protected by the Dignity for All Students Act.

  • The Dignity Act prohibits the harassment and discrimination of students by students and by school personnel.

  • Bullying and hazing are forms of harassment and discrimination.

  • 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.

  • Under the Dignity Act, the school district’s code of conduct must include age-appropriate, plain language that prohibits discrimination and harassment against any student by employees or other students that creates a hostile environment.

  • A hostile environment may occur with or without physical contact and/or by verbal threats, intimidation, or abuse. Does the conduct unreasonably and substantially interfere with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional, and/or physical well-being? Does the conduct reasonably cause a student to fear for their physical safety?

  • All students must be informed annually of the behavioral expectations in the code of conduct. Staff training will be provided to raise their awareness and sensitivity to potential discrimination or harassment and how to prevent and respond to discrimination or harassment. Staff who know—or reasonably should know—of possible harassment must take immediate and appropriate action to investigate or determine what occurred. When harassment occurs, staff must take prompt and effective steps to end it, eliminate any hostile environment, and prevent it from recurring.