NY State Legislature amends Dignity Act to expand definition of harassment and bullying - Lexology

NY State Legislature amends Dignity Act to expand definition of harassment and bullying - Lexology

The New York State legislature recently passed amendments to the Dignity for All Students Act (the "Dignity Act") to expand the definition of harassment and bullying under the law to explicitly include cyberbullying and other forms of off-school-property conduct. The Dignity Act took effect on July 1, 2012, and the newly passed amendments will become effective on July 1, 2013.

Dozens heading to court to be removed from New York State's child-abuse registry - NY Daily News

Dozens heading to court to be removed from New York State's child-abuse registry - NY Daily News

Forty-one people, many on the crippling blacklist for years, say they have been denied hearings to clear their names

New York state attempts to banish bullying

New York state attempts to banish bullying

Bullies across New York state will be searching for a new stream of lunch-time revenue.

Bullying and Harassment in Public Schools Focus of New York State Bar Association Conference

Bullying and Harassment in Public Schools Focus of New York State Bar Association Conference

ALBANY, NY (10/17/2012)(readMedia)-- Teachers and school administrators from across the state will gather in Lake George this week to discuss how to protect public school students from bullying and other forms of abuse.

Corey Ribotsky | DASA | Ribotsky Institute | Gowanus Lounge

Corey Ribotsky | DASA | Ribotsky Institute | Gowanus Lounge

The Dignity for All Students Act, a New York State law which was legislated in September 2010, finally went into effect this past July 1st, 2012.

Making schools deal with bullying - phillyburbs.com: Opinion

Making schools deal with bullying - phillyburbs.com: Opinion

Anyone who’s ever gone to school is familiar with bullying, either through observation or personal experience. There was always some kid, or group of kids, who enjoyed tormenting others.

North Tonawanda Superintendent Has No Comment On Teacher Convicted Of DWI

Superintendent 'mum' when asked about NTHS teacher Arthur J. Harack

North Tonawanda, NY - At a Public Session of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of the City of North Tonawanda School District held Thursday evening, School Superintendent Greg Woytila stated he was playing 'phone-tag' with an (unnamed) New York State Education Department investigator when asked if NYSED had completed its investigation [of Harack]. Woytila however had "no comment" when asked, Do you believe Mr. Harack's continued employment by the District is in the best interests of students, as well as the District?

Superintendent Woytila confirmed at last month's Board of Education meeting that a Moral Character complaint had been filed against Harack with NYSED. Harack was arrested on August 23, 2011, with a child in his vehicle and a blood alcohol content at 0.13%. He was charged under Leandra's Law on January 14, 2012. In August of 2012, Harack was allowed to plead guilty to misdemeanor driving while intoxicated before Niagara County Supreme Court Judge Sara Sheldon Farkas. 

Under New York State Education law, School District Superintendents must file a report with the Department upon knowledge that a certificate holder has been convicted of a crime or has committed an act that raises a reasonable question about the individual's moral character.  Complaints received by the Department will be reviewed pursuant to Part 83 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education to determine the appropriate action.

Harack was also arrested in June 2008 for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The disposition of that case is not known.

Updated: 10/12/2012 @1:30 PM

No wait for NOH8 - Opinion - The Spectrum - University at Buffalo

No wait for NOH8 - Opinion - The Spectrum - University at Buffalo

Anti-bullying education needs to be reformed now[.]

NJ schools report 12K bullying instances last year - WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & Sports

NJ schools report 12K bullying instances last year - WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather & Sports

"New Jersey education officials now have some handle on just how much bullying happens in the state's public schools. Data made public Tuesday show there were 12,024 instances of harassment, intimidation and bullying reported in the 2011-12 school year - the first year the state's tough new anti-bullying law was in effect."

Public schools undermined in efforts to improve | syracuse.com

Public schools undermined in efforts to improve | syracuse.com

Note: April 30, 2012 excerpt from Governor Cuomo Establishes New New York Education Reform Commission:

"New York State spends more money per student than any other state in the nation, but ranks 38th in high school graduation rates. 73 percent of New York's students graduate from high school and 37 percent are college ready."

Discussion on bullying is evolving | WIVB.com

Discussion on bullying is evolving | WIVB.com

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - The battle against bullies continues more than a year after the suicide of Williamsville North teen Jamey Rodemeyer inspired a national movement.

Governor Cuomo Declares October Principals Month in New York - Saugerties, NY - Saugerties Post Star

Governor Cuomo Declares October Principals Month in New York - Saugerties, NY - Saugerties Post Star

Keep your kids safe at school - Corning, NY - The Corning Leader

Keep your kids safe at school - Corning, NY - The Corning Leader

Note: A must-read for parents of school-aged children. FindLaw.com offers...tips on how to keep your children safe at school.