Shine Talks Dignity for All Students Act with Rye Parents

A new law, the Dignity for All Students Act, which includes explicit definitions of bullying and "affirmative mandates" for reporting by students, teachers and administrators will take affect in New York State on July 1. Eleven other states have passed similar legislation.

Rye City School Superintendent Dr. Edward Shine spent Monday morning discussing the law and its implications with parents and members of the board. He said it includes specific definitions of what constitutes bullying and establishes mandated reporting for administrators, teachers and students. 

Shine described Monday's meeting as a public hearing for parents to give the board feedback.

In response to a parent question about the responsiveness and responsibilty of the district for incidents that may occur off campus, Shine said that the district's current code of conduct includes a "nexus clause" that allows for intervention into incidents where there is a "nexus between what happens outside the school day and school." In those incidents, Shine said, "the district has a responsibility to intervene."

, Shine used the example of a student breaking a speeding law on the one hand and a hypothetical act of cyberbullying on the other to illustrate what kinds of transgressions might be seen as having a 'nexus' with school activity.

Have you heard about this law? Do you think it can make in difference on attitudes about school bullying?