Memorandum In Support Of Ending Discrimination
And Harassment Of Students
Dignity for All Students Act - A.1118 S.1925

March 2004

Interfaith IMPACT of New York State - a statewide advocacy organization representing Protestant, Unitarian Universalist, and Reform Jewish congregations and individuals - addresses emerging public policies and their legislative implications from the shared faith traditions of our constituencies. The historic teachings of our faith in God and humankind, call upon all people to participate in the ongoing work of perfecting the world. To further our goals for social justice, we are an active member of the Dignity for All Students Coalition which seeks to make schools a place of learning instead of a place of fear for so many students.

Clearly, all legislators want to enact legislation that will protect students, but the Senate Safe Harbor's bill (S.4023) omits some critical items. This Senate bill should be strengthened by adding teacher training in preventing and responding to harassment; a prohibition on harassment by school staff in addition to such acts by students; a specific definition of gender to include gender identity and expression; and protection from discrimination.

The Act instructs the Commissioner of Education to direct schools to develop the procedures to create a civil and safe school environment.

Dignity for All Students will respond to the growing numbers of harassed and stigmatized students who in some cases, have been pushed to extremes, including suicides, due to the intolerable environment at school.

We must try to end the tragic consequences of harassment and bullying that terrorize too many students in our schools, and make sure that all students have a school environment that allows them to concentrate on their academic and personal growth.

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