Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

The Indian River Central School District's Board of Education, administration, and staff members are each committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive and district personnel may deliver quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students, teachers, other district personnel, parents, and visitors is essential to achieving this goal.

WHAT IS DASA?

The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) is a New York State law effective July 1, 2012. It is designed to provide a learning environment free of discrimination and harassment. Bullying behaviors may be a larger problem of discrimination and harassment. DASA works to help prevent discrimination and harassment through civility, citizenship, and character education.

WHAT CAN I DO?

If you see something, SAY something!

  • Speak to an adult immediately.
  • Be supportive if a friend tells you they are being treated unfairly.
  • If you see someone being treated unfairly, speak up and speak out.
What does it all mean?

Bullying: A form of harassment that consists of inappropriate persistent behavior that is done indirectly, remotely, or face-to-face.

Cyber-Bullying: A form of bullying that is done through electronic communication (i.e. the Internet, cell phones, Facebook, etc.)

Discrimination: The denial of rights because of a group, class, or category to which a person belongs.

Harassment: The creation of a hostile environment by conduct or verbal threats, intimidation, or abuse that interferes with a student's educational performance.

Student Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct defines the expectations for acceptable conduct and identifies possible consequences of unacceptable conduct.

The Code of Conduct was updated and adopted by the Board of Education on August 18, 2022. Revisions to the Code of Conduct focused on updated definitions and provisions of the Dignity for All Students Act, dealing with cyberbullying. The goal of the Dignity Act is to create a safe and supportive school climate where all students can learn and focus, free of discrimination and harassment.

The District Dignity Act Coordinator is Mrs. Sarah Matteson, Assistant Superintendent - sarahmatteson@ircsd.org. The District’s Title IX Officer, Stephanie Wheeler, may also be contacted to make a report or complaint at (315) 642-3441.

A review of the Code of Conduct will take place with all students at their respective schools at the beginning of the school year.

A complete copy of the Code of Conduct, Board of Education policy, and regulation 0115 Student Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Intervention and the harassment and/or bullying complaint form can be found as related documents below.