Weinstein Announces Legislation To Help Curb School Harassment

Helene Weinstein

"Learning begins with a safe and positive environment," Brooklyn As-semblywoman Helene Weinstein stated in announcing the Assembly passed legislation she sponsored to help give students a safe and welcoming learning environment free from harassment and discrimination.

"The Dignity for All Students Act will help create the right climate in schools so students can concentrate on their studies without fearing for their safety" she added. The legislation prohibits discrimination and harassment against students on school grounds.

Additionally, each school district would be required to:

• Establish anti-harassment and discrimination policies;

• Create school training programs in harassment and discrimination;

• Raise staff sensitivity and awareness as well as enable staff to respond to harassment;

• Develop nondiscriminatory instruc-tion and Counseling methods.

"We have seen what can happen when a student is bullied or harassed. Not only can they become dejected, they may be pushed to retaliation. My legislation will give schools the tools to intervene, teach children respect, and give students back their dignity," the legislator stated.

Tragic outbreaks of school violence in recent years have underscored the need to protect youngsters from harass-ment.

"School can be challenging for children even without being taunted with mental or physical abuse. It is time we put an end to hostile hallways and classroom bullies. By increasing civility in our schools and establishing clear guidelines of acceptable con-duct, our students will be more confident and focused on getting the most out of their education," Weinstein concluded.