Dignity for All (DASA)

Why is the Dignity Act Important? 
Students who experience harassment and/or discrimination may also experience problems with grade failure, behavioral problems, poor attendance, and social problems with peers because of the difficulty that they are experiencing. The Spencer Van Etten School district takes these issues seriously and are committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under state and federal law, as well as promoting a safe, healthy, orderly and civil school environment. The S-VE School administration, faculty, and staff are committed to creating and maintaining a safe learning environment for all of our students. 

Important Aspects of DASA:

  • The New York State Dignity for All Students Act was signed into law on September 13, 2010 and is in effect for all public schools as of July 1, 2012.

  • The intent of the Dignity Act is to provide all students in New York State public schools a learning environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

  • 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.

  • School property includes the school building, athletic playing fields, playground, parking lots, and school bus. School functions include school-sponsored extracurricular events and activities.

     

Dignity Act Coordinators for S-VE and Reporting Procedures:
The Dignity Act requires that all schools have at least one staff-person designated as the Dignity Act Coordinator. The Dignity Act Coordinator is responsible for addressing reports of potential harassment and/or discrimination. If you have concerns about an incident of possible harassment or discrimination, please contact our S-VE Dignity Act Coordinators.

Coordinators:
District Wide: Mrs. Tina Lampila
Elementary School: Mr. Matt Stroup
Middle School: Mrs. Angela Holmes
High School: Mrs. Melissa Jewell and Ms. Beth Ebel-Ruocco

Reports can be made in the following manner:

  1. Click link to report an incident via the web.

  2. Call the main office of the appropriate building:

    • Elementary School: 607-589-7110
      Middle School: 607-589-7120
      High School: 607-589-7140

       

For additional information related to the NYS Dignity for All Students Act please refer to:

Please also refer to the Spencer Van Etten School District Code of Conduct. 
Hard copies of our District’s Code of Conduct can also be obtained by contacting the main office of each building in the district.