DASA
A Parent’s Guide
DIGNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT
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OVERVIEW
Students should never feel that it is not safe for them to
come to school and participate in all school activities.
They should never be prevented from concentrating
on their schoolwork because another student or a staff
member is teasing them, pushing them around, or
threatening them in some way.
To that end, the New Paltz Central School District is
committed to promptly addressing any incidents of
bullying, harassment, and discrimination that could
impede our students’ ability to learn or feel safe.
This includes incidents that take place not only on
District property, but also outside of school grounds,
if the incident can reasonably be expected to
become a disruption to the school environment
or where it is foreseeable that the negative conduct
might reach school property.
DASA
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DUZINE
Ross Hogan,
Jennifer Mojica
Coordinator of Student
Support Services
[email protected]y.us (845) 256-4305
LENAPE
Sean Inglee,
Jennifer Mojica
Coordinator of Student
Support Services
[email protected]y.us (845) 256-4305
NPMS
Ann Sheldon,
Jessica Miller
Assistant Principal
[email protected]y.us (845) 256-4206
NPHS
Dr. Samuelle Simms
Principal
[email protected]y.us (845) 256-4104
Kathleen Schneck-Suma
Assistant Principal
[email protected]y.us (845) 256-4106
DASA COORDINATORS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is the Dignity Act? .................................................................................................5
Who is Protected Under the Dignity Act? ....................................................................5
What Constitutes a DASA-Level Incident? ................................................................... 6
What Should I Do if I Think My Child is a Victim of a DASA-Level Incident? ...........6
Key Terms ......................................................................................................................... 6
Who are the DASA Coordinators? ................................................................................7
How Does the Process of Reporting a DASA Complaint Work? ...............................8
Conducting an Investigation .........................................................................................8
Notication of Outcome ................................................................................................9
Responding to Veried Reports .................................................................................... 9
Disputing Results ............................................................................................................9
What Happens When the District Receives a DASA-Level Complaint? ..........10-11
District Reporting Responsibilities ..............................................................................12
Prohibition of Retaliatory Behavior (Whistle-Blower Protection) ............................12
Where Can I Learn More About DASA? .....................................................................13
Examples of Bullying ...................................................................................................15
Characteristics of Bullying Behavior ...........................................................................15
Possible Signs of Bullying ...........................................................................................16
How Do I Talk to My Child About Bullying? ...............................................................16
What Should I Do if I Think My Child is Bullying Others? ........................................17
Signs That Your Child May Be Bullying Others .........................................................17
New Quick Tip Anonymous Reporting System .........................................................18
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What is the Dignity Act?
Since July 2012, New York State has provided an ocial framework for
how schools respond to negative behavior, such as bullying, harassment,
intimidation, taunting, or discrimination. e Dignity for All Students Act,
or DASA, outlines requirements for reporting and investigation, requires sta
training on prevention and intervention, and identies related communications
for notifying parents and students about DASA-related topics.
DASA specically calls for the protection of students from harassment,
bullying (including cyberbullying), or discrimination by employees or other
students. According to the New York State Education Department, the aim
of DASA is not to increase punishment, but rather to foster social interaction
among students as a way to maintain a safe learning environment that results in
less bullying, an increased ability to identify individual students who are being
bullied, and an instilled responsibility to inform the necessary authorities when a
peer is a victim of bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
Who is Protected Under the Dignity Act?
DASA species that students should not be subject to discrimination, bullying,
or harassment, either actual or perceived, based on, but not limited to, the
following:
RACE
COLOR
ETHNIC GROUP
NATIONAL ORIGIN
DISABILITY
RELIGIOUS PRACTICE
RELIGION
WEIGHT
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
(person’s emotional and sexual attraction to others)
GENDER
(socially constructed system of classification
that ascribes qualities of masculinity and femininity to people)
SEX
(physical/biological characteristics that define male versus female)
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What Constitutes a DASA-Level Incident?
An incident can be either a single or series of related veriable occurrences.
Other forms of discrimination that are not specically named may also be
prohibited, but not all misbehavior that takes place in school settings falls
under the umbrella of DASA. e behavior in question may be accidental, for
example, involving no real intent to harm. Or the incident may be a reection
of the student’s immaturity, rather than of any malicious intent. ese behaviors
are no less serious than actual bullying, however, they do require dierent
prevention and response strategies.
DASA coordinators are trained to identify whether a particular behavior or
situation constitutes a DASA-level incident, and they have individuals at Ulster
BOCES available to consult with if they need assistance.
What Should I Do if I Think My Child is a Victim of
a DASA-Level Incident?
If you think your child is being harassed, bullied, or discriminated against,
speak with them immediately. If they indicate that they have been victimized,
nd out important details such as when, where, why, how, by whom, etc. Based
on their responses, if you believe that your child may be a victim, report it to
WHAT IS HARASSMENT?
Harassment is the creation of a
hostile environment by conduct
or verbal threats, intimidation,
or abuse that is continued and
unwanted.
WHAT IS DISCRIMINATION?
Discrimination is the denial of
equal treatment, admission,
and/or access to programs,
facilities, and services based on
the person’s actual or perceived
membership in a certain group
or category.
WHAT IS BULLYING?
Bullying is unwanted, intentional,
aggressive behavior that involves
a real or perceived power
imbalance. The behavior is
repeated, or has the potential
to be repeated, and can occur
before and after school hours in a
school building, on a playground,
on a school bus while a student
is traveling to or from school, or
on the Internet. More detailed
information about bullying is
provided on page 12.
WHAT IS CYBERBULLYING?
Cyberbullying is bullying that
takes place through the use of
electronic devices/technology.
key terms
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your student’s teacher, principal, or a DASA coordinator immediately. Students
should also be encouraged to directly report incidents of bullying, harassment,
and discrimination if they are a victim or witness to such behavior.
Students and parents can report a suspected incident either verbally or in
writing to teachers or principals (who will notify a DASA coordinator) or they
may notify a DASA coordinator directly. Although it is not necessary for parents
and/or students to complete an ocial DASA Reporting Form to report an
incident, this document is available on the District’s website at
www.newpaltz.k12.ny.us/dasa and may be completed if desired. e DASA
coordinator can also assist parents and/or students in completing the form.
Who Are the DASA Coordinators?
At least one employee in each of our school
buildings is designated as a DASA coordinator.
e coordinators, who are trained in accordance
with the New York State Education Department
(NYSED), are charged with investigating reports
of harassment, bullying, or discrimination in their
respective buildings. Contact information for each
DASA coordinator in the District is listed on page
4 and also can be found in the Code of Conduct,
which is posted on the website.
Each DASA coordinator is trained to handle
human relations and the social patterns of
harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
Approved by the Board of Education,
they are a valuable resource for parents
or children dealing with a DASA-level
situation.
e DASA coordinators are
supported by the District’s Director
of Student Support Services. With
regard to reports which may have
violated a student’s Civil Rights or
which may rise to the level of sexual
harassment or assault, the Director of
Student Support Services will conduct
the investigation. In some instances, an
outside appointed trained designee may
also conduct an investigation.
contact
information
for each DASA
coordinator in the
District is listed on
page 4
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How Does the Process of Reporting a DASA
Complaint Work?
e District encourages and expects students, parents, and sta who have
observed, been subjected 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 followed this procedure and talked with the designated school
personnel at your child’s school and are not getting any help, then you are
encouraged to take your concerns to the next level. e levels of contact to
escalate an issue typically are:
• DASA Coordinator
• Principal
• Director of Student Support Services
• Superintendent
• Board of Education
• Commissioner of Education
• New York State Attorney General’s Oce
If you have questions about this process, you can contact the
NYSED Oce of Student Support Services at [email protected] or
www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/.
Conducting an Investigation
Upon notication of a DASA complaint, the Director of Student Support
Services 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 nal outcome of an investigation. ese 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 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, thorough, and accurate.
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Notication 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, specics may not be shared with the complainant or
community at large. New York State Education Law protects the condentiality of
all students, including those found guilty of wrongdoing.
Responding to Veried 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
oending student, and their history of problem behaviors.
Disputing Results
Either the complainant or the accused may appeal the ndings of an
investigation, in writing, within 10 days of receipt of the decision. Appeals
should be directed to the superintendent. If the superintendent upholds
the decision, a written appeal may then be made to the Board of Education
within 10 days. e Board’s ndings may be appealed to the Commissioner of
Education within 30 days of receipt of their ndings.
When bystanders
intervene,
bullying stops
within 10 seconds
57% of the time.
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DISTRICT RECEIVES A DASA-LEVEL COMPLAINT?
Reporting
NOTIFICATION
The parent/student/
witness reports suspected
bullying, harassment, and/or
discrimination to the student’s
teacher, principal, or school’s
DASA coordinator. The report is
done either verbally or in writing.
WITHIN ONE SCHOOL DAY
Staff receiving a complaint
verbally noties a DASA
coordinator.
WITHIN TWO SCHOOL DAYS
Staff receiving a complaint
noties a DASA coordinator in
writing.
Action
ACCOMMODATIONS
If necessary, immediate
steps are taken to protect
complainants pending the
investigation’s nal outcome.
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 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.
INVESTIGATION
Director of Student Support
Services conducts/supervises a
prompt, thorough, and accurate
investigation, which includes
interviewing complainant,
accused, and any witnesses.
(DASA coordinators or other
appointed designees may also
conduct investigations.)
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RECEIVES A DASA-LEVEL COMPLAINT?
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DISTRICT RECEIVES A DASA-LEVEL COMPLAINT?
Results
FINDINGS
Both the complainants and
the accused 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.
DISTRICTLEVEL APPEAL
Either the complainant or the
accused may appeal the ndings
of an investigation, in writing,
within 10 days of receipt of the
decision. Appeals should be
directed to the superintendent.
BOARDLEVEL APPEALS
If the superintendent upholds
the ndings, the decision may
be appealed to the Board of
Education, in writing, within
10 days.
STATELEVEL APPEAL
The Board of Education’s
ndings may be appealed to
the Commissioner of Education
within 30 days of receipt of the
decision.
Response
REMEDIES
If investigation veries that
harassment, bullying, or
discrimination occurred, the
District takes prompt action with
a view towards ending negative
behavior, eliminating any hostile
environment, creating a more
positive school culture and
climate, preventing recurrence,
and ensuring the safety of the
victims.
DISCIPLINE
Discipline is applied in the
form of a measured, balanced,
and age-appropriate response
consistent with the Code of
Conduct. Consideration is given
to the nature and severity of the
behavior, the developmental age
of the offending student, and
the student’s history of problem
behaviors. Specic disciplinary
action is not shared, as laws
ensuring condentiality protect
all students.
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District Reporting Responsibilities
e DASA coordinator, superintendent, or principal will promptly notify
law enforcement when it is believed that any harassment, bullying, or
discrimination constitutes criminal conduct. ese procedures are outlined
in the Code of Conduct.
Annually, the principal must report data and trends related to harassment,
bullying, or discrimination to the superintendent, who in turn reports all
material incidents annually to the New York State Commissioner of Education.
ese reports include:
• the type of harassment, bullying, or discrimination;
• the location of the incident
(on school property, at a school function, o of school property);
• the involved parties; and
• the type of bias involved.
Prohibition of Retaliatory Behavior
(Whistle-Blower Protection)
e District strictly prohibits any retaliatory behavior directed at any
complainant, victim, witness, or any other individual who participates in the
reporting or investigation of an incident of alleged harassment, bullying, or
discrimination.
In addition, any person who acts reasonably and in good faith in reporting
bullying, harassment, or discrimination to school ocials, the Commissioner,
or law enforcement authorities, or who otherwise initiates, testies, participates,
or assists in any formal or informal proceedings shall also be protected. Such
individuals will have immunity from any civil liability that may arise from
making that report or from initiating, testifying, participating, or assisting in
those proceedings.
“Strong people stand up for
themselves. But the strongest
people stand up for others.”
–UNKNOWN
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Where Can I Learn More About DASA?
Language relating to the Dignity Act has been included in our District’s Code
of Conduct, which is reviewed annually. e Code is updated as necessary
to reect current and/or anticipated challenges resulting from the evolution
of culture and technology. District Policy 7370, which may be found on the
District’s website at www.newpaltz.k12.ny.us, provides further details.
You may also contact our Director of Student Support Services, Fredericka
Butler, by calling (845) 256-4046 or emailing [email protected].us.
BULLY
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UNDERSTANDING BULLYING
Bullying and Harassment involve the creation of a hostile environment
either through conduct or through threats, intimidation, or abuse, including
cyberbullying, that:
• interferes with a student’s educational performance, opportunities, or
benets, or their mental, emotional, or physical well-being;
• causes, or could be expected to cause, a student to fear for his or her
physical safety;
• causes, or could be expected to cause, physical injury or emotional harm to
the student; or
• occurs o school property and creates, or could be expected to create, a risk
of disruption within the school environment.
Data from the National Center
for Education Statistics and
Bureau of Justice from 2017
indicates that, nationwide,
about 20% of students ages 12-18
experienced bullying.
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Examples of Bullying
It is not always easy to determine whether a behavior is bullying. For instance,
not everyone is always going to like one another, and it is natural for students to
include their friends and exclude others when playing. Although unpleasant, in
most cases this is not bullying. Anyone uncertain of whether or not a behavior is
bullying should always consult a DASA coordinator. Types of bullying include:
VERBAL BULLYING: Name calling, teasing, sexual comments, taunting, and
threatening to cause harm.
SOCIAL BULLYING: Spreading rumors about someone, excluding others
on purpose, telling other children not to be friends with someone, and
embarrassing someone in public.
PHYSICAL BULLYING: Hitting, punching, shoving, kicking, pinching, spitting,
tripping, pushing, taking or breaking someone’s property, and making mean or
rude hand gestures.
EMOTIONAL BULLYING: Cruelly and deliberately attempting to hurt or
humiliate someone, including teasing, spreading rumors, and excluding from
activities.
CYBERBULLYING: Using digital devices like cell phones, computers, and
tablets to send, post, or share negative, harmful, false, or mean content about
someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation.
MICROAGGRESSIONS: Subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally
expressing a prejudiced attitude (via a comment or action) toward a member
of a marginalized group.
Characteristics of Bullying Behavior
• Persistent
• Repeated
• Targets specic individual(s)
• Intended to cause fear or harm (physically or emotionally)
• Intended to hurt feelings
• Reduces self-esteem or damages reputation
Youth surveys reveal that
approximately 30% of young
people admit to bullying others.
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Possible Signs of Bullying
• Unexplained injuries;
• Lost or destroyed clothing or other possessions;
• Feeling sick or faking illness;
• Diculty sleeping or frequent nightmares;
• Avoidance of certain areas, such as the playground or restroom;
• Declining grades or a loss of interest in school;
• Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations;
• Decreased self-esteem and/or self-destructive behaviors such as running
away or talk of suicide.
How Do I Talk to My Child About Bullying?
• Explain what bullying is and make sure they understand that it’s
unacceptable behavior;
• Keep the lines of communication open. Know your child’s friends, ask
about their day, and listen to questions or concerns;
• Encourage your child to talk to you or a trusted adult at school if they are
bullied or witness an incident of bullying;
• Serve as a role model by treating others with respect and understanding.
STOP
BULLYING
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Signs That Your Child May Be Bullying Others
• Getting into physical or verbal ghts;
• Disregarding/disrespecting other people’s feelings;
• Disrespecting authority;
• Unexplained extra money or new belongings;
• Blaming others for problems;
• Lying to get out of trouble;
• Deliberately hurting pets or animals;
• Using anger to get what they want;
• Refusing to accept responsibility for actions.
What Should I Do if I Think My Child is Bullying
Others?
• Talk to your child about the specic behavior and why it’s wrong and won’t
be tolerated;
• Find out why your child bullied in order to understand the reasons and
oer solutions;
• Use any disciplinary consequences to teach, not humiliate;
• Call your child’s teacher, principal, social worker, or school counselor to
talk about what happened and strategies for moving forward;
• Explain how their behavior impacts others.
Quick Tips
TIP
Use this link to submit an
anonymous tip.
Click here for more information
about this reporting tool.
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HELPFUL LINKS/RESOURCES
New York State Education Department DASA Website
www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact
Transgender Guidance
www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/documents/Transg_GNCGuidanceFINAL.pdf
Guidance Related to Students of Immigrant Families
www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/documents/dasa-guidance.pdf
Stop Bullying.Gov Parent Page
www.stopbullying.gov/what-you-can-do/parents/index.html
New Quick Tip Anonymous Reporting System
In an eort to create a safer and more caring school community, the District
has implemented Quick Tip, an anonymous electronic reporting system that
provides our students, sta, and community with a voice to report a variety of
safety-related issues in our schools (such as bullying, discrimination, drugs, self-
harm, vandalism, and more).
It only takes a few clicks to submit a tip.
A user can easily do so by clicking on the
Quick Tip link on the website (found on the
left-hand side of the homepage, as well as on the
main page of each building website), selecting
the school that should be alerted and the topic
of the tip, and writing a message. e ability to
attach an optional image le is also provided.
e tips are then forwarded to the Director
of Student Support Services, as well as the
principal of the building identied in the
Quick Tip submission.
Tips can be anonymous, or contact
information can be provided. Quick Tip can also be used to le a DASA
complaint, however, in that case, contact information is required.
While Quick Tip is an extremely powerful tool for alerting school
personnel of potential issues, if the situation you are reporting is an
emergency, you should always call 911, or in the case of a mental
health crisis, contact the Ulster County Mental Health Helpline at
1-844-277-4820.
Image of Quick Tip link on website
The District condemns and prohibits all forms of discrimination
and harassment based on actual or perceived race, color, weight,
physical size/shape, national origin, ethnic group, religion,
religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against, you
may make a claim that your rights have been denied. This claim
or grievance may be led with the Director of Student Support
Services/Title IX Ofcer: New Paltz Central School District,
196 Main Street, New Paltz, NY, 12561, (845) 256-4046.
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
NEW PALTZ CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
196 Main Street
New Paltz, NY 12561
Angela Urbina-Medina, Superintendent of Schools
(845) 256-4020
Board of Education
Bianca Tanis, President
Brian Cournoyer, Vice President
Diana Armstead, Trustee
Johanna Herget, Trustee
Glenn LaPolt, Trustee
Heather O’Donnell, Trustee
Teresa Thompson, Trustee
www.newpaltz.k12.ny.us
