NY A03661

Establishes the "Dignity for All Students Act" creating Article 2 of Education Law to prohibit discrimination and harassment in public schools based on race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.

Requires school districts to develop policies and guidelines that create discrimination-free environments, establish staff training programs on human relations and diversity, and designate at least one trained staff member at every school to handle discrimination and harassment issues.

Mandates the Commissioner of Education to provide direction and grants to school districts, promulgate regulations for balanced age-appropriate responses to violations, and establish procedures for annual reporting of material incidents of discrimination and harassment.

Provides immunity from civil liability for anyone reporting discrimination or harassment in good faith and prohibits retaliation against reporters, witnesses, or participants in related proceedings.

Applies only to public schools and does not limit rights under federal laws including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, or the Americans with Disabilities Act; effective July 1, 2012.