Prohibition of Discrimination, Bullying, Harassment, Hazing and Retaliation
The Board of Education is committed to providing an educational and working environment that promotes respect, dignity and equality. Board policy prohibits all acts of discrimination, harassment and bullying (including cyberbullying), as well as retaliation, by anyone on school property or at school functions. Acts of discrimination, harassment, hazing bullying or retaliatory behavior should be reported to any staff member, administrator, or the Title VII/Title IX Officer (Chief Equity Officer Latisha Barnett) at (518) 377-4666, ext. 50741 or lbarnett@niskyschools.org. Inquiries concerning policies regarding harassment and discrimination should also be directed toward the Title VII/Title IX Officer. Copies of the Board of Education policies are available in the District Office at 1239 Van Antwerp Road, in all school main offices, and on the district website.
Resources for You
- Harassment: A Guide for Students
- Harassment: A Guide for Staff Members (password protected)
- Niskayuna Discrimination & Harassment Reporting Form
Dignity for All Students Act
New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (the Dignity Act) took effect on July 1, 2012. Just as does the district’s Code of Conduct, the new law 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 (including cyberbullying) on school property, school buses, and/or at school functions, as well as to foster civility in public schools. Consistent with the Dignity Act, the District prohibits acts of bullying (including cyberbullying), discrimination, and harassment against students by students and/or school employees on school property, on school buses, or at any school function based on a student’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (defined to include a person’s actual or perceived sex as well as gender identity and expression), or sex.
Prevention is the cornerstone of the Districts’ efforts to address bullying and harassment. In order to implement this anti-bullying prevention program, the Board will designate, at its annual organizational meeting, individuals at each school to act as the Dignity for All Students Act Coordinator (Dignity Act Coordinator). These individuals shall be thoroughly trained to handle human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, sex or any other legally protected status.
Niskayuna school principals are the Dignity for All Students Act coordinators for their respective school. Please contact the principal if you have questions, need assistance or need to report any issues.
DASA Responding to Incidents Form