Res. No. 1774 Title Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to enact The Dignity for All Students Act. Body By The Speaker (Council Member Vallone) and Council Members Berman, Koslowitz, Malave-Dilan, Eisland, Espada, Freed, Linares, Michels, Nelson, Quinn, Reed and Warden; also Council Members Dear, DiBrienza, Fisher, Foster, Harrison, O'Donovan, Rivera, Robinson, Robles and Wooten Whereas, All students deserve to learn in a safe, respectful environment, free from harassment and discrimination; and Whereas, Furthermore, recent acts of violence in a number of schools throughout the nation reflect the need for action on the part of legislators and school communities; and Whereas, The New York State legislature is currently considering a bill entitled "The Dignity for All Students Act," which prohibits discrimination by school employees or students on the basis of actual or perceived race, national origin, ethnic group, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex during any public school activity or program; and Whereas, Additionally, The Dignity for All Students Act authorizes the Commissioner of Education to establish policies and procedures affording all students in public schools an environment free of harassment and discrimination based on actual or perceived race, national origin, ethnic group, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex; and Whereas, Furthermore, The Dignity for All Students Act mandates that the Regents ensure that courses in civility, citizenship and character education include awareness and sensitivity to potentially discriminatory behaviors, harassment and acts of hate violence, and encourage civility in the relations of people of different race, national origin, ethnic group, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender and sex; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State legislature to enact the Dignity for All Students Act. LP 2/28/01