W. Babylon Schools Approves Dignity for All Students Act

On Sept. 13, 2010, the New York State Dignity for All Students Act (the Dignity Act) was signed into law. This legislation amended state education law by creating a new article – Dignity for All Students. The Dignity Act amended Section 801-a of New York State Education Law regarding instruction in civility, citizenship and character education.

This was achieved by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others and dignity to include an awareness and sensitivity in the relations of people, including but not limited to those of different races, weights, national origins, ethnic groups, religions, religious practices, mental or physical abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions and sexes.

The Dignity Act also amended Section 2801 of the education law, instructing boards of education to include language in their codes of conduct to comply with the new legislation, which went into effect on July 1, 2012.

The West Babylon School District has complied with this mandate and updated its code of conduct policies. Additionally, each building has designated DASA coordinators to oversee the initiative, and all staff members have received awareness training.

A priority of West Babylon teachers has always been to maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity for all students. The Dignity Act also ensures that teachers will confront any issues that arise which threaten the physical or emotional health or safety of any student, school employee or person who is lawfully on school property or at a school function. Teachers are expected to address personal biases that may prevent equal treatment of all students in the school or classroom setting, as well as to report incidents of discrimination and harassment that are witnessed or otherwise brought to a teacher’s attention in a timely manner.

The students of the district are doing their part as well. Throughout the year, they have been exposed to a variety of cultural arts programs, as well as student- and staff-driven events that address the issues surrounding harassment, bullying and social-emotional learning.