Dignity for All Students Act
Dignity for All Students Act Overview
"Bullying is a pattern of repeated aggressive behavior, with negative intent, directed from one child to another where there is a power imbalance."
Dr. Dan Olweus
The East Aurora Union Free School District will not tolerate incidents of discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function by students and/or school employees.
The New York State Dignity for All Students Act (Dignity Act) was signed into law on September 13, 2010 and became effective July 1, 2012. This legislation amended State Education Law by creating a new Article 2 – Dignity for All Students. The Dignity Act 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.
In addition, amendments to the regulation (effective July 1, 2013) have added explicit references prohibiting bullying and cyberbullying. The amendment addresses cyberbullying not only within schools but also incidents that occur off school property that could "foreseeably disrupt" the school environment. According to StopBullying.gov, cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.
East Aurora High School English Teacher, Mr. Jason Zevenbergen, has developed an information sheet for parents addressing frequently asked questions about cyberbullying. To view and print the flyer, please click here.
East Aurora Union Free School District Coordinators:
In compliance with Educational Law, at least one staff member at every school must be thoroughly trained and designated as a Dignity Act Coordinator. They must be available to students and staff for consultation and guidance as needed to implement this law. The following employees have been appointed as Dignity Act Coordinators and are available to help you:
Deanna Bartolotti-Brown, School Counselor, Parkdale Elementary
Jessica Lyons, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Parkdale Elementary
Carrie Cole, School Counselor, Middle School
Matt Brown, Principal, Middle School
Jamie Coleman, School Psychologist, High School
Bill Roberts, Principal, High School
Reporting an Incident:
An incident of harassment/discrimination needs to be filed the same day the incident occurs, or is brought to your attention. An Incident Reporting Form should be electronically filled out and submitted. It is very important to collect as much information as possible as an incident is witnessed or brought to your attention.
Additional Resources:
Dignity for All Students Act Webpage:
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/
East Aurora Union Free School District Code of Conduct
Cyberbullying Research Center:
Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at SUNY/Buffalo: