Jaffee Calls for the Creation of Legal Protections for Public School Students in New York State from Harassment and Bullying

New City, NY (April 17, 2002)-Rockland County Legislator Ellen Jaffee introduced a resolution that calls for the New York State Legislature to support the "Dignity for all Students Act" (A.2634/S.1628) which authorizes the New York State Commissioner of Education to establish policies and procedures affording all students in public schools a school environment free of harassment and discrimination based on actual or perceived race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, disability sexual orientation, gender or sex, which the Rockland County Legislature passed unanimously, with an unauthorized absence, on Tuesday, April 16, 2002.

Legislator Jaffee said, "All students need a safe and affirming environment in school in order to focus on their academic and personal growth. They should never have to be distracted by the threat or experience harassment or discrimination, whether it is verbal or physical, either from school employees or students."

She added, "I believe that the passage and enactment of the Dignity for all Students Act will help create a nurturing atmosphere where learning is paramount and distractions to learning are minimized."

According to the bill, each school district shall:

• Establish anti-harassment and discrimination policies;
• Create school training programs in harassment and discrimination;
• Raise staff sensitivity and awareness as well as enable staff to respond to harassment;
• Develop nondiscrimination instruction and counseling methods.

Eileen Browning, Executive Director of CANDLE (Community Awareness Network for a Drug-free Life & Environment, Inc.) said, "I am proud that Rockland County is in the forefront of insuring ALL our youth are protected and respected."

Mrs. Browning added, "A recent survey of students from 11 Rockland high schools (by CANDLE and 21^st Century Collaborative for Children and Youth) concluded that verbal harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) youth is common in our schools. Anti-gay hate words are part of the fabric and language of the schools. Straight youth think the words are not a big deal, while LGBT youth feel they are very painful. One suggestion made by the focus groups was to train school staff on how to intervene appropriately. The Dignity for All Students Act will provide resources for local schools to do just that."