The Dignity for All Students Act
On September 8, 2010 Governor Patterson signed the Dignity for All Students Act into law. According to the legislature, "The purpose of this bill is to afford all students an environment free of any harassment that substantially interferes with their education, regardless of the basis of the harassment, and free of discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex." The list of protected persons is given as an example and is not intended to limit the law to those classes. The legislature noted that "the Act provides a response to the large numbers of harassed and stigmatized students skipping school and engaging in high risk behaviors like drug use, alcohol abuse, and perhaps even suicide. No child or teen should ever be pushed to such extremes because of an intolerable environment in his or her school. Scholarly literature and common sense establish that harassment and intimidation interfere with students' ability to learn. By prohibiting harassment in public schools and establishing the basis for proactive measures such as training and model policies, the "Dignity for All Students Act" takes a major step in creating more nurturing environments in all our schools." The Dignity for All Students Act takes effect on July 1, 2012.
Serving Suffolk and Nassau Counties
Law Office of Nicholas J. Agro, P.C. 1000 Main Street, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
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Copyright 2007 Law Office of Nicholas J. Agro, P.C.