The goal of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which took effect July 1, 2013, is to provide students with a safe, supportive educational environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying. DASA states that no student shall be subjected to harassment or discrimination by employees or students on school property or at a school function based on their actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.
Some of the law requirements include establishing anti-harassment and discrimination policies, creating school training programs and including a course in civility, citizenship and character education in the curriculum for every grade level.
District DASA Coordinators
Under the new legislation, at least one employee in every school shall be designated as a Dignity Act Coordinator and thoroughly trained in methods to respond to human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practices, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex. If you are a victim of, or witness to, an act of bullying, harassment or discrimination, talk to your teacher, guidance counselor or a Dignity Act Coordinator.
| Building | Name | Position | |
| Van Rensselaer Elementary School | Jeff Palmer | Principal of Van Rensselaer Elementary School | jpalmer@rcsd.k12.ny.us |
| Rensselaer Jr. / Sr. High School | Dom Pitaniello | Principal of Rensselaer Jr. / Sr. High School | dpitaniello@rcsd.k12.ny.us |
| District Wide | Theresa Stasack | Asset Manager | tstasack@rcsd.k12.ny.us |
District Resources
State Resources
- Dignity Act Brochure – a publication of the New York State Education Department (NYSED)