Governor Paterson Signs Dignity for All Students Act

On September 8, 2010, Governor Paterson signed into law the Dignity for All Students Act, designed to protect all students from bullying. The new law forbids discrimination and harassment based on race, ethnicity, weight, national origin, religion, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. It also requires school districts to implement anti-bullying policies and provide training to employees to increase sensitivity and enable them to prevent and respond to discrimination and harassment. 

Studies have shown that as many as 25% of students report being bullied. Signs of bullying include threats and physical abuse, such as shoving or pushing. Excluding others and teasing are also forms of bullying. This behavior has negative consequences for everybody. Victims of bullying are more likely to miss school. Ten percent of children who drop out of school cite bullying as a reason. Bullying damages a child’s self esteem and can have life-long effects. Research indicates that children who are perceived as different, such as children with disabilities, are at a higher risk for being bullied by their peers. 

The new law takes effect in 2012, but why wait to do the right thing?  Please learn more about how to prevent and respond to bullying. Some helpful resources exist, such as www.StopBullyingNow.hrsa.gov and Pacer Center’s National Center for Bullying Prevention at http://www.pacer.org/bullying/index.asp.   Watch a CNN Newsroom interview featuring Demi Lovato and PACER Board Member Michael Keller:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeGybzYtttY.

Locally, The Advocacy Center offers workshops for parents and schools on bullying intervention strategies and disability awareness. Education about understanding and appreciating differences in people is a key component in decreasing harassment and discrimination. 

It’s time for all of us to take a stand, educate ourselves, and stop bullying so that all children can feel safe at school. 

For more information about The Advocacy Center, visit www.advocacycenter.com. To schedule a workshop, call 585-546-1700.