Dignity For All Students

All public elementary and secondary school students are protected by the Dignity Act.

Bullying can be a form of harassment and discrimination.

The Dignity Act applies to behavior on school property (including athletic fields, playgrounds, and parking lots), in school buildings, on a school bus/vehicle, as well as at school-sponsored events or activities.

Under the Dignity Act, the school district’s Code of Conduct must include age appropriate, plain language that prohibits discrimination and harassment against any student by employees or other students that creates a hostile environment.

A hostile environment may occur with or without physical contact and/or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse. If the conduct unreasonably and substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, mental, emotional and/or physical well-being or if a student fears for his or her physical safety, a hostile environment exists.

All students must be informed annually of the behavioral expectations in the code of conduct. Training for staff will be provided to raise their awareness and sensitivity to potential discrimination or harassment and how to prevent and respond to discrimination or harassment. Staff who know—or reasonably should know—of possible harassment must take immediate and appropriate action to investigate or otherwise determine what occurred. When harassment has occurred, staff must take prompt and effective steps to end it, eliminate any hostile environment and prevent it from reoccurring.