New anti-bullying law seen as policy opportunity |
On Board Online • October 10, 2011
By Linda Bakst
Deputy Director of Policy Services
The recent suicide of 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer in Williamsville was a tragic and disturbing reminder of the profound pain that students can experience as a result of the cruel words and social stigma still attached to being “different.” According to Jamey’s own account, and his mother’s comments, he had been questioning his sexuality and was perceived as gay by classmates and as a result was subjected to vicious taunts online and in school.
Communities, including school board members, educators and parents, are left wondering, “What can be done?” Many states, including New York, have enacted new laws designed to address bullying.
In September 2010, then-Gov. David Paterson signed The Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act) in order to establish that it is the policy of this state that each student attending public school is entitled to receive his or her education in an environment free from harassment. The law takes effect in July 2012.
All students are covered by the Dignity Act, but it calls particular attention to marginalized students. The law specifically states that students can’t be harassed based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, sex, religion, religious practices, sexual orientation, gender, weight, disability or ethnic group.
While some might argue that there shouldn’t be a need to enumerate the different protected classes since all students are covered by the law, others note that certain research shows that students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or gender nonconforming are subjected to more bullying and more often turn to suicide.
Commissioner of Education John King Jr. has created a task force to deal with issues raised by the law. Participants include NYSSBA, New York State United Teachers, and numerous other groups including the New York Civil Liberties Union.
The task force is working on:
- Developing implementing regulations to be enacted by the Board of Regents.
- Developing a model policy that could be used by boards of education as a template to comply with the various components of the law.
- Developing guidance on professional development and training to support this effort.
- Developing and identifying curricula that districts could access to integrate the program into classrooms.
- Developing outreach mechanisms so that teachers, administrators, parents, students, etc, are all aware of the law and how it is being implemented in their district.
Editor’s Note: NYSSBA is offering a policy workshop, “Implementing the Dignity for All Students Act,” in Rochester on Nov. 10, in Islandia on Nov. 16 and Latham on Nov. 17.