The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

DASA Contacts

Data Protection Officer
Kevin Welsh
kwelsh@bfcsd.org
(315) 389-5134 Ext. 29250

DASA Coordinator, High School
Kristen Zender
kzender@bfcsd.org
(315) 389-5134 Ext. 29100

DASA Coordinator, Middle School
Jamie LaBarge
jlabarge@bfcsd.org
(315) 389-5134 Ext. 29500

DASA Coordinator, Elementary School
Danielle Colterman
dcolterman@bfcsd.org
(315) 389-5134 Ext. 29300

What is DASA?

On July 1, 2012 the New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (the Dignity Act, or DASA) took effect.  This law mirrors the the district’s Code of Conduct which both seek 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) while on school property, school buses, and/or at school functions, as well as to foster civility and safe environment 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 or visitors on school property, on school buses, or at any school functions based on a student’s actual or perceived race actual or perceived race (including traits associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), or sex. The Amendments of 2018 afford protections under DASA to include all forms of harassment of any kind.

Prevention is the cornerstone of the District's efforts to address bullying and harassment. Individuals at each school have been assigned to act as the Dignity for All Students Act Coordinator (Dignity Act Coordinator). These individuals have been 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.

Each of the building principals are the Dignity for All Students Act coordinators for their respective schools. Please contact the principal if you have questions, need assistance, or need to report any issues.

Please click on the link to view Policy 3420 - Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment in the Distrct

What is Bullying?

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.

What is the Difference between Rude, Mean, and Bullying Resource:
*Is it really Bullying?

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying or harassment that takes place through communication using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Cyberbullying may be directed toward both students and staff members. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

Cyberbullying Resources:
*Guide to Student response to Cyberbullying
*How to beat Cyberbullying

How to Report Bullying and/or Harassment

Please complete and submit the Bullying and/or Harassment Complaint form for the proper school level.