Over the years, concerns about bullying, discrimination, and harassment in schools have garnered increasing attention. According to data from the National Crime Victimization Survey, in 2022 nearly 20% of students ages 12-18 reported being bullied at school during the school year. To say that this has become a pervasive problem within our educational institutions would be an understatement.

In response to the growing concerns about the psychological and physical safety of students in schools, Dignity for All Students Act (also known as The Dignity Act) was signed into law in New York State in 2010, to provide all public school students with a safe and supportive learning environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, on a school bus, or at a school function. The Dignity Act has two distinct underpinnings: it protects students from bullying, discrimination and harassment, while also promoting a culture of respect and inclusion in schools.

The Dignity Act defines harassment and bullying as “the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by threats, intimidation or abuse, including cyberbullying, that has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student's educational performance,

opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being; reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety; reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury or emotional harm to a student; or occurs off school property and creates or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment, where it is foreseeable that the conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse might reach school property.” This includes harassment and discrimination based on a range of characteristics, including (but not limited to):

• Race

• Color

• Weight

• National origin

• Ethnic group

• Religion

• Disability

• Sexual orientation

• Gender identity and expression

Under the Dignity Act, school districts must implement policies that promote a safe learning environment, which includes establishing protocols for students, parents, and staff to report incidents of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Schools are also required to appoint a Dignity Act Coordinator, whose responsibility is to investigate and follow up on all complaints in a timely manner, and ensure that the school takes prompt and appropriate actions to ensure student safety and protect against retaliation.

The Dignity Act plays a critical role in fostering an atmosphere where all students can learn without fear of harassment or discrimination. By creating a framework for awareness, understanding, and accountability, schools can improve both the social-emotional wellbeing and the academic performance of students. However, implementation of The Dignity Act is not without its challenges.

For one, schools are often under-resourced, which may limit their ability to provide comprehensive training and support services. Budget cuts, teacher shortages, and staff turnover all potentially impact the development and sustainability of effective programs. The NYS Center for School Safety offers a variety of free professional development and materials to support implementation of the Dignity Act, including training modules, sample forms and data collection tools, and guidance documents. Other sites such as StopBullying.gov and SchoolSafety.gov, though not specific to New York State, can also be a valuable source of information to support schools’ efforts to prevent and address incidents of bullying.

In addition to utilizing the free resources available from New York State and national organizations, schools can apply for grants or establish local partnerships that provide increased access to training, counseling/mental health services, and/or program development. Another consideration is that many districts in New York State operate Family Support Centers; their outreach can also be used to build connections and identify resources within the community that may strengthen a school’s programming and protocols.

Another challenge arises when there is a lack of adequate communication and education around the Dignity Act. Individuals may form or perpetuate misconceptions, which can contribute to confusion or resistance regarding implementation. For example, misunderstandings around the definitions of bullying or harassment, how to report a concern, or the school’s responsibilities for responding to a reported incident may result in an under-reporting of incidents or a lack of support for students who need it.

Therefore, it is important for schools to prioritize ongoing training for educators and staff on the intent of the Dignity Act, effective bullying prevention strategies, and the importance of fostering inclusivity and a sense of community in the classroom. Schools should also consider how to orient new staff and or staff who are not full-time (such as itinerant positions or substitutes) to the district’s Dignity Act policies and procedures.

Equally important is the school’s effort to engage parents/caregivers and community members in collaborative conversations about the Dignity Act, and how the district carries out its Dignity Act implementation. Messaging via apps or other communication tools, website and social media posts, and interactive information sessions can all help raise awareness and invite a home-school partnership.

The Dignity for All Students Act represents a necessary step toward creating safe and inclusive educational environments for all students. While challenges remain in its implementation, a commitment to training, resource allocation, and community engagement can enhance its effectiveness. By working together, educators, students, and communities can ensure that the Dignity Act fulfills its promise to ensure dignity, respect, and safety for every student in New York State.