The NYS Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
DASA is a state law called the Dignity for All Students Act. The intent of DASA is to “afford all students in public schools an environment free of discrimination and harassment. The purpose of this … is to foster civility in public schools and to prevent and prohibit conduct which is inconsistent with a school’s educational mission.” (Ed Law Article 2 Section 10)
The Dignity Act provides a response to the large number of harassed and stigmatized students skipping school and engaging in high risk behaviors by prohibiting discrimination in public schools and establishing the basis for protective measures such as training and model policies.
The Manhasset Union Free School District meets all of the DASA requirements. Each building has a trained Dignity Act Coordinator who works with administrators, staff, and teachers to investigate and address all DASA related reports in a prompt and thorough manner. Additionally, the Board of Education has adopted a Code of Conduct Policy that incorporates and addresses DASA.
Manhasset UFSD continues to refine strategies to prevent harassment, bullying, and discrimination while cultivating a climate of acceptance, compassion, and respect.
Who is protected under DASA?
No student shall be subjected to harassment or bullying by employees or students on school property or at a school function; nor shall any student be subjected to discrimination based on actual or perceived:
- Race / Color / Weight
- National origin / Ethnic group
- Religion / Religious practice
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Gender or sex
How does DASA define harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying?
Harassment and bullying mean the creation of a hostile environment through threats, intimidation, or abuse that:
- Substantially interferes with a student’s education or well-being
- Causes a student to fear for their safety
- Leads to physical injury or emotional harm
- Occurs off school property but creates a foreseeable risk of substantial disruption in school
Bullying typically involves:
- Imbalance of Power: using strength, popularity, or information to control another.
- Repetition: occurring more than once or likely to occur again.
- Intent to Harm: the goal is to cause harm, not accidental.
Cyberbullying is harassment or bullying through any form of electronic communication. (Ed Law Article 2 Section 11)
Manhasset’s Dignity Act Coordinators
- Shelter Rock School: Deana Folchetti-Puglin — 267-7457
- Munsey Park School: Dr. Brian Nolan — 267-7441
- Manhasset Secondary School: Keri Crocco — 267-7501
Additional DASA trained faculty: Jessica Zimmer (Principal, Shelter Rock), Mr. Chad Altman (Principal, Munsey Park), Dr. Richard Roder (Principal, Secondary School), Kerry Fallon (Director of Guidance), Guidance Counselors, and Social Workers.
Staff Training
All faculty and staff receive DASA training at the start of each school year. This includes raising awareness and sensitivity to potential harassment, bullying, and discrimination and equips employees to prevent and respond effectively.