NY A01155

Requires New York public school boards of education to mandate a minimum of two hours per week of civics instruction for all students over age five, beginning with the 2018-2019 school year.

Expands civics curriculum to include instruction on racial and global harmony, media literacy, morals and ethics, and emphasis on practical application and real-world impact of these lessons.

Requires civics instruction to cover safe and responsible internet and electronic communications use, with the Regents to determine how to incorporate this into existing curricula.

Defines "tolerance," "respect for others," and "dignity" to explicitly include awareness of harassment, bullying, and discrimination based on race, weight, national origin, ethnicity, religion, ability, sexual orientation, and gender.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.