The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
The New York State Dignity For All Students Act (Dignity Act) was signed into law on September 13, 2010, and took effect on July 1st, 2012. Alden School District began preparing for its enactment during the school year 2011-2012.
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.
The Dignity Act also specifies that all schools have a positive culture initiative that teaches the concepts of tolerance, respect for others, and dignity. Alden has participated in the Rachel’s Challenge program for the last four years, which promotes kindness and caring to all people. Alden also introduced a district-wide set of expectations to all principals, faculty, staff and students. This is a strategy that research has shown to be most effective in supporting a positive school culture. These expectations will be posted around the district in the form of the “Bulldog Badge” (K-8) and the “Bulldog Pledge” in the High School to acknowledge the different developmental levels.
The goal of the Dignity Act is to create a safe and supportive school climate where students can learn and focus, rather than fear being discriminated against and/or verbally and/or physically harassed.
All public elementary and secondary school students have the right to attend school in a safe, welcoming, considerate, and caring environment. The Dignity Act Coordinators (DAC) in the Alden School District are:
High School
Rachel Hiller, School Social Worker ext. 4215
Middle School
Joyce Gavigan, School Counselor
Intermediate School
Linda Bonczyk, School Counselor
Primary School
Megan Vogl, School Counselor
Please feel to contact any DAC with concerns or questions.