DASA - Dignity for All Students Act & Bullying

New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (formerly known as DASA but now known as The Dignity ACT or DACT) seeks to provide students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, the Internet, a school bus and/or at a school function.

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.

This law originally earned the nickname of “DASA” but the state Education Department changed the nickname to DACT because it now includes the topic of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is defined as using the Internet, cell phones or other electronic devices to send or post text or images intended to intimidate, hurt or embarrass another person. Much of cyberbullying is initiated outside of school by using programs such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or texting.

The Dignity Act arises out of legislative concern about bullying and safety in schools. While the act does not use the word “bullying,” that is its primary focus. This act is designed to prevent and prohibit discriminating and harassing conduct on school property and at school functions.

Any person having reasonable cause to believe that a student has been subjected to discrimination or harassment must act reasonably and in good faith by reporting the incident. Please use this form and submit it to your DASA coordinator.

Reporting and Definitions

How Does the Process of Reporting a DASA Complaint Work?

The District encourages and expects students, parents, and staff who have observed, been subject to, or been informed of harassment, bullying, or discrimination to report the incident(s) in a timely manner.

School employees who witness or receive an oral or written report of harassment, bullying, or discrimination should:

  • Notify the DASA coordinator/designated person verbally no later than one school day after witnessing/receiving a report.

  • File a written report with the DASA coordinator/designated person no later than two school days after receiving the initial report.

If you have questions about this process, you can contact the NYSED Office of Student Support Services at DASA@nysed.gov or www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact

Conducting an Investigation

Upon notification of a DASA complaint, the DASA Coordinator may lead or supervise a thorough and timely investigation. Both the accused and the complainants, along with any witnesses, will be interviewed.

When necessary, the District will take immediate steps to protect complainants pending the final outcome of an investigation. These steps may include (but are not limited to) academic accommodations, altering academic or bus schedules for either the complainant or accused, changing locker locations, allowing the complainant to withdraw from or retake a class without penalty, and/or providing an escort to ensure that the complainant can move safely between classes or other activities.

While there is no legal timeline as to how long any one investigation should take to complete, we believe it is in the best interest of all parties that an investigation be prompt, through, and accurate.

Notification of Outcome

Both the complainants and the accused will receive a report outlining the outcome of the investigation, including a description of the alleged incident, an overview of the investigative process, and any action taken. If disciplinary action is taken against the accused, specifics may not be shared with the complainant or community at large. New York State Education Law protects the confidentiality of all students, including those found guilty of wrongdoing.

Responding to Verified Reports

If the investigation reveals that harassment, bullying, or discrimination has occurred, the District will take prompt action with a view towards ending it, eliminating any hostile environment, creating a more positive school culture and climate, preventing recurrence of the behavior, and ensuring the safety of the student(s) against whom the harassment, bullying, or discrimination was directed. Discipline will be consistent with the Code of Conduct and include a measured, balanced, and age-appropriate response that makes appropriate use of prevention, education, intervention, and discipline. Consideration will be given to the nature and severity of the behavior, the developmental age of the offending student, and their history of problem behaviors.

Disputing Results

Either the complainant or the accused may appeal the findings of an investigation, in writing, within 10 days of receipt of the decision. Appeals should be directed to the Assistant Superintendent. If the Assistant Superintendent upholds the decision, a written appeal may then be made to the Superintendent within 10 days. Families may file a written appeal to the Board Of Education if they are unsatisfied with the outcome of the Superintendent's review. The Board's findings may be appealed to the Commissioner of Education within 30 days of receipt of their findings.

RCS DASA Coordinators

RCS High School
HS Assistant Principal
Ryan Funck
rfunck@rcscsd.org

RCS Middle School
MS Assistant Principal
Brian Garrity
bgarrity@rcscsd.org

A.W. Becker Elementary
Vice Principal
Victoria DeGouff
vdegouff@rcscsd.org

Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary
Vice Principal
Victoria DeGouff
vdegouff@rcscsd.org

District-Wide
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Jean Winkler
jwinkler@rcscsd.org

RCS Code of Conduct

The Board of Education reviews the District Code of Conduct which is available on our website and can be accessed using the link below.

Please contact your child's building principal if you have questions about the Code of Conduct.

Code of Conduct

RCS Policies

The Board of Education's purpose is to establish all school district policies which are available on our website and can be accessed using the link below.

Access BoardDocs

Terminology

Some common terminology used in The Dignity Act