The New York State Dignity For All Students Act (Dignity Act) was signed into law on September 13, 2010. This legislation amended State Education Law by creating a new Article 2 – Dignity for All Students.

The Dignity Act states that NO student shall be subjected to harassment or discrimination by employees or students on school property or at a school function based on their actual or perceivedrace, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexualorientation, gender, or sex.

The Dignity Act amended Section 801-a of New York State Education Law regarding instruction in civility, citizenship and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others, and dignity.

The Dignity Act also amended Section 2801 of the Education Law, instructing Boards of Education toinclude language in the codes of conduct to comply with the Dignity Act.

Cato-Meridian has appointed three DASA coordinators, one at each building level. Please contact any of the DASA coordinators if you have a specific question about an issue related to students’ mistreatment on behalf of another student or staff member.

DASA Coordinators:   

• Jennifer Sabatino
  • Elementary School 
  • 315-626-3439, Extension 2822

• Robert Wren
  • Junior-Senior High School
  • 315-626-3439, Extension 3806

DASA Administrative Liaison:

• Tyler Baker, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
• 315-626-3439, Extension 3804