DASA Policy

Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
St HOPE Leadership Academy Charter School creates a safe and supportive environment for all community members; we abide by the New York State Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). This law seeks to “provide students with a safe and supportive environment from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying (including cyber bullying) on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.” Discrimination and harassment is prohibited by employees or scholars based on a person’s perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender and sex. To read the full Dignity for All Students Act, please visit: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact/

DASA Coordinator
The Director of Student Affairs is the SHLACS DASA Coordinator. The DASA Coordinator is trained to handle human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (identity or expression), sex, and any other characteristic protected by law.

Reports and Investigations of Bullying, Discrimination and/or Harassment Any person who has been a victim or who knows of a potential incident of bullying, discrimination, or harassment is required to report it to the DASA Coordinator. School employees who witness harassment, bullying, or discrimination, or receive a report of such harassment, bullying, or discrimination must verbally notify the Director of Student Affairs or Principal no later than one school day after the employee witnesses or receives a report of harassment, bullying or discrimination. Scholars may make reports of harassment, bullying, or discrimination to the Coordinator in person or confidentially through other means such as a written note or letter.

After receiving a report of potential violation of the Act, the Coordinator will promptly investigate all complaints of bullying, either formal or informal, and take prompt corrective measures, as necessary. If, after an appropriate investigation, the School finds that this policy has been violated, prompt corrective action will be taken to end the harassment, bullying or discrimination, and eliminate any hostile environment. The Director of Student Affairs will promptly notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency if any harassment, bullying or discrimination constitutes criminal conduct.

The School will annually report material incidents of bullying, discrimination, and/or harassment which occurred during the school year to the State Education Department. Such reports shall be submitted in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner, on a date to be determined by the Commissioner.