It seems that many parents are not aware that New York has laws and policies addressing the issue of bullying. Now whether they are being applied or not is a completely different issue. The purpose of this blog is make everyone aware of what the state has in place.
The New York State Dignity For All Students Act
Signed into law on September 13, 2010 and taking effect on July 1, 2012; the act make it clear that the harassment and discrimination of people on school property or at a school related event on the basis on race, ethnicity, weight, national origin, religion, sex, gender, orientation, and religion, intolerable. Its main goal is the promotion of a school environment that is independent of harassment and discrimination.
Title IV of Civil Rights Act of 1964
No Federal law directly deals with the issue of bullying. But bullying is a form of harassment that can violate a person's civil rights. According to Title IV, discrimination based on sex in public schools and colleges is prohibited. The same also applies to religion. The author of this blog, Tamer Mahmoud, did have his civil rights violated when he experienced bullying due to his religion following the events of 9/11/01. In general, Title IV prohibits discrimination on all levels, across all institutions of higher learning. Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972 covers the same concept with further additions.
Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964
It has the same basic principle but applies to institutions who are recipients of Federal aid.
New York City DOE Parent's Bill of Rights
While not a law of sorts, according to the New York City DOE, Parent's do have a Bill of Rights. Within that Bill of Rights, it is stated that Parent's have the right to "have their child learn in a safe and supportive learning environment, free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, and bigotry", according to section 1, part E. Part F states that parents have the right to "have their child receive courtesy and respect from others and equal educational opportunities regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, age, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or weight". If a parent perceives that his/her child is not receiving such treatment according to the Bill of Rights, then it can be a violation of such rights and the parent should seek a remedy to such violation.
Above are some examples of legislation and policies that are in place to protect against bullying. I hope that parents find this information to be useful and fall back on it whenever such issues arise.
The New York State Dignity For All Students Act
Signed into law on September 13, 2010 and taking effect on July 1, 2012; the act make it clear that the harassment and discrimination of people on school property or at a school related event on the basis on race, ethnicity, weight, national origin, religion, sex, gender, orientation, and religion, intolerable. Its main goal is the promotion of a school environment that is independent of harassment and discrimination.
Title IV of Civil Rights Act of 1964
No Federal law directly deals with the issue of bullying. But bullying is a form of harassment that can violate a person's civil rights. According to Title IV, discrimination based on sex in public schools and colleges is prohibited. The same also applies to religion. The author of this blog, Tamer Mahmoud, did have his civil rights violated when he experienced bullying due to his religion following the events of 9/11/01. In general, Title IV prohibits discrimination on all levels, across all institutions of higher learning. Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972 covers the same concept with further additions.
Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964
It has the same basic principle but applies to institutions who are recipients of Federal aid.
New York City DOE Parent's Bill of Rights
While not a law of sorts, according to the New York City DOE, Parent's do have a Bill of Rights. Within that Bill of Rights, it is stated that Parent's have the right to "have their child learn in a safe and supportive learning environment, free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, and bigotry", according to section 1, part E. Part F states that parents have the right to "have their child receive courtesy and respect from others and equal educational opportunities regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, age, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or weight". If a parent perceives that his/her child is not receiving such treatment according to the Bill of Rights, then it can be a violation of such rights and the parent should seek a remedy to such violation.
Above are some examples of legislation and policies that are in place to protect against bullying. I hope that parents find this information to be useful and fall back on it whenever such issues arise.