DASA & ESSA

The Dignity for All Students ACT

All students have the right to go to a school that is safe, welcoming and comfortable.

All students should understand that they are responsible for their words and actions. To the extent that all forms of harassment (verbal as well as physical) and bullying (including cyberbullying) are not conducive to a safe learning environment, harassment and bullying are strictly prohibited. Similarly, any comments or gestures (direct, or implied) that can be reasonably understood to be threatening are strictly prohibited (and may be illegal).

On July 1, 2012 the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) went into effect across our state. DASA is designed to make sure that all students feel safe within the school and at all school functions. On July 1, 2013, the amended Dignity for All Students was implemented with additional requirements, including reporting and investigation of Cyberbullying that occurs off-campus.

Students who engage in harassment or threatening behaviors will be subject to disciplinary consequences in accordance with the Code of Conduct and possible referral to police and/or other outside agencies. Those who feel that they have been the victim of harassment or threatening behaviors and those who become aware of such behaviors by other students are encouraged to report any incidents to a building administrator for proper referral and/or disciplinary actions.

Tuxedo Union Free School District DASA coordinators:

Every Student Succeeds Act

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides New York State with an opportunity to leverage significant federal resources in support of New York State’s commitment to providing equity, access, and opportunity for all students.

Cyberbullying:

The District is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for all students. The District recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment necessary for student learning and may lead to more serious violence. Therefore, the District prohibits bullying by students.

Bullying/Cyberbullying consist of an intentional digital and/or electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting.  

This instance is considered severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:

  1. Substantial interference with the student's education

  2. Creation of a threatening environment

  3. Substantial disruption to the orderly operation of the school

Bullying, as defined in this statement, includes cyberbullying. The term bullying does not necessarily encompass the infrequent incidents of normal developmental conflict between peers.

School Setting means in the school or related facilities, in school vehicles, on school grounds at a designated bus stop or at any school activity supervised or sanctioned by the school.

Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of others and to ensure an atmosphere free of bullying.