Prohibits discrimination against and harassment or bullying of students by employees or students on private, religious or denominational school property or at a school function; provides immunity from civil liability for a person making a good faith report of discrimination, harassment or bullying to authorities.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A6470
SPONSOR: Simone TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to enacting the "nonpub-
lic dignity for all students act"
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to protect nonpublic elementary, middle
school and high school students from harassment, bullying and discrimi-
nation.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill would amend Education Law to create a new article
2-A, which prohibits discrimination, harassment and bullying for
students in nonpublic schools. This section would not apply to courses
of instruction provided by the nonpublic school or infringe upon any
constitutionally protected right.
Section 2 is the effective date.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
Section 1 of this bill creates a new article 2-A of the education law to
establish legislative intent, definitions, types of discrimination and
harassment that are prohibited, and protections for those who report
harassment, bullying or discrimination.
JUSTIFICATION:
The story of Jack Reid underscores the importance of anti-bullying
legislation applying to non-public schools. After more than a year of
bullying and cruel behavior by his private school classmates, Jack's
life was tragically cut short when he died by suicide on April 30, 2022
at age seventeen. There were steps, which his private school did not
take, that would have potentially saved Jack's life.
All students should be afforded a school environment free of discrimi-
nation and harassment including bullying, taunting and intimidation.
This bill seeks to protect all nonpublic elementary, middle school, and
high school students from harassment, bullying and discrimination.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S. 3810-NA. 1829-B of 2023-2024: Print number 1829b
S. 722/A. 7399 of 2021-2022: Referred to education
S.3696 of 2019-2020 (Hoylman): Died in Education
S.6438 of 2017-2018 (Hoylman): Died in Education
A.7738A of 2017-2018 (O'Donnell): Died in Education
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date
on which it shall have become a law.
