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. It focuses on prevention of harassment and discriminatory behaviors through the promotion of educational measures meant to positively impact school culture and climate. 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, sex, sexual orientation, or gender/gender identity by school employees or students on school property, on a school bus or at a school function.

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 the superintendent, school board members, parents, students, teachers, support staff, principals, administrators and other school personnel have particularly important roles to play in its implementation.

Dignity Act Coordinators are assigned to each school building. They are as follows:

Thomas Edison High School - Michael Bennett

Cohen Middle School - Dan Crandall

Cohen Elementary School - Cristi Pesco

DASA Incident Report - Click Here

For additional information related to the New York State Dignity for All Students Act, visit https://www.nysed.gov/student-support-services/dignity-all-students-act-dasa