State Education Commissioner Elia and A.G. Schneiderman Offer Guidance to Help Ensure Schools are Safe Havens for Learning

A short while ago, a news release was jointly issued by Commissioner MaryEllen Elia and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. At the end of the news release is a three-page letter intended to provide school leaders with resources for complying with the Dignity for All Students Act and for addressing hate-based actions.

In the letter, school districts are encouraged to review their respective systems in relation to Codes of Conduct, DASA, and Violent and Disruptive Incident Reporting (VADIR). The letter also includes numerous links to informational resources to help school staff, students, parents, and communities. In the concluding paragraph of the letter, those wishing to discuss local issues, topics, or materials are advised to contact the State Education Department’s Office of Student Support Services by telephoning (518) 486-6090 or by e-mailing StudentSupportServices@nysed.gov

Click here to view the news release.

Click here to view the letter.

We hope that you will find this information helpful. We will continue to keep you informed. All the best. …Jim Viola