We Stand for Safe, Positive & Respectful Schools.
The Dignity for All Students Act
You should feel safe at school. People should treat other people the way they would like to be treated. You should be able to learn, do your work, and have fun and be part of activities without worrying about the words or actions of others making you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. We are all different, but no one should be treated differently because of things like how they look or what their family does. It is against school rules to make anyone else feel threatened or unsafe.
A law known as the Dignity for All Students Act focuses on making sure that you and your classmates are safe and feel safe at school. It is wrong for students to be teased or treated differently because of their actual or perceived race (including traits associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practices, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), or sex. Every school principal is in charge of working with everyone at school to create a safe and supportive environment.
DASA Coordinators
If anyone is saying or doing things that are making you or others feel unsafe or uncomfortable, you should tell your principal or another adult at school. They are there to help you learn and make sure you feel safe. Under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), each school’s principal serves as the dedicated DASA Coordinator. If you need to report an incident or have questions, you can reach out to a DASA Coordinator or report an incident.
Report an Incident
Niskayuna is committed to providing a safe, supportive learning environment free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. If you have witnessed or experienced an incident, please let us know immediately so we can investigate and support those involved.
- General Discrimination and Harassment Reporting Form (District login required)
Our Stance Against Discrimination and Bullying
Prohibition of Bullying, Discrimination, Harassment, Hazing and Retaliation
The Board of Education is committed to providing an educational and working environment that promotes respect, dignity and equality. Board policy prohibits all acts of discrimination, harassment and bullying (including cyberbullying), as well as retaliation, by anyone on school property or at school functions. Acts of discrimination, harassment, hazing bullying or retaliatory behavior should be reported to any staff member, administrator, or the Title VII/Title IX Officer (Chief Equity Officer) at 377-4666, ext. 50741. Inquiries concerning policies regarding harassment and discrimination should also be directed toward the Title VII/Title IX Officer. Board of Education policies can be accessed on BoardDocs and are also available in the District Office at 1430 Balltown Road.
Resources
Harassment: A Guide
Niskayuna CSD leaders care about the student experience in our district. Our student guide explains what harassment (including bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment) is under district policy and law, describes how it affects students and outlines how students can recognize it and report it to trusted staff members.
Our Stance Against Sexual Harassment
The Niskayuna Board of Education has a policy prohibiting sexual harassment in the Niskayuna Central School District. Sexual harassment is generally defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Any student, employee or school district officer who believes sexual harassment has occurred should report the alleged misconduct immediately so that corrective action may be taken as necessary. Students or parents should report any alleged misconduct to the Title VII/Title IX Officer (Chief Equity Officer) at (518) 377-4666, ext. 50741, or the building principals. The District recognizes that sexual harassment is a sensitive issue and that students may choose to inform any trusted staff member of suspected discrimination or harassment.
The School District will act to promptly, thoroughly, and equitably investigate all complaints, whether verbal or written, of sexual harassment and will promptly take appropriate action to protect individuals from further sexual harassment. All such complaints will be handled in a manner consistent with the District’s policies, procedures, and/or regulations regarding the investigation of discrimination and harassment complaints.
The sexual harassment policy and guidelines are available in school offices or through Title VII/Title IX Officer (Chief Equity Officer) at (518) 377-4666, ext. 50741.
Equity at Niskayuna
At Niskayuna, we believe that equity is a right. We are actively working to dismantle systemic disparities and create a school environment where every student has the access, opportunity, and support they need to thrive.
- Learn more about Equity at Niskayuna.