The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

New York State's Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act) seeks to provide the State's public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.

The Dignity Act was signed into law on September 13, 2010 and took effect on July 1, 2012.

This legislation amended State Education Law by creating a new Article 2 - Dignity for All Students. The Dignity Act also amended Section 801-a of New York State Education Law regarding instruction in civility, citizenship, and character education 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, different races, weights, national origins, ethnic groups, religions, religious practices, mental or physical abilities, sexual orientations, gender identity, and sexes. The Dignity Act further amended Section 2801 of the Education Law by requiring Boards of Education to include language addressing The Dignity Act in their codes of conduct.

Additionally, under the Dignity Act, schools will be responsible for collecting and reporting data regarding material incidents of discrimination and harassment.

DASA Resources

New York State DASA Information - Information and resources pertaining to DASA which took effect on July 1, 2012

Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Parent Letter - A District letter to parents and guardians describing the new law. The letter also defines terms like Harassment, Bullying and Cyberbullying.

Student Bullying Report Form - A form that can be used by students to report bullying

Board of Education Policies

7550 - Dignity For All Students Act

DASA Coordinators

District DASA Coordinator Phone Number

Debbie Rifkin, Assistant Superintendent For Human Resources

(516) 434-7030

Division Avenue High School

John Coscia, Principal

(516) 434-7150

Joann Medina, Social Worker

(516) 434-7633

Allison Hinke, Social Worker

(516) 434-7195

Maria Miceli, Social Worker

(516) 434-7178

MacArthur High School

Joseph Sheehan, Principal

(516) 434-7225

Lisa Dimitri, Social Worker

(516) 434-7262

Maria Miceli, Social Worker

(516) 434-7263

Salk Middle School

John Zampaglione, Principal

(516) 434-7350

Noreen Williams, Social Worker

(516) 434-7373

Regina Pagnotta, Social Worker

(516) 434-7371

Wisdom Lane Middle School

John Avena, Principal

(516) 434-7300

Rina Bronstein, Social Worker

(516) 434-7321

Joann Medina, Social Worker

(516) 434-7320

Abbey Lane Elementary School

Dr. George Maurer, Principal

(516) 434-7400

Lindsay Grand, Social Worker

(516) 434-7411

East Broadway Elementary School

Jordan Margolis, Principal

(516) 434-7425

Danielle Bantileskas, Social Worker

(516) 434-7435

Gardiners Ave. Elementary School

John Jared Vanderbeck, Principal

(516) 434-7450

Kara Fichtelman, Social Worker

(516) 434-7459

Lee Road Elementary School

Jami Anspach, Principal

(516) 434-7475

Lisa Gribetz, Social Worker

(516) 434-7484

Northside Elementary School

Frank Mortillaro, Principal

(516) 434-7500

Samantha Romano, Social Worker

(516) 434-7522

Summit Lane Elementary School

Keith Squilliacioti, Principal

(516) 434-7525

Meghan Ruane, Social Worker

(516) 434-7534