CONSERVATIVE PARTY of NEW YORK STATE

2007 Legislative Memo…

In Opposition to “Dignity for all Students” Act

A. 3496 – O’Donnell (On Education Committee Agenda) S. 1571 - Duane

Purpose: The stated purpose of this bill is to foster civility in public schools and an environment for all students, administrators and staff that is conducive to learning by being free of discrimination and free of harassment, bullying, taunting or intimidation — including when such behaviors or acts are based on actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex. Additionally, the bill provides for districts to be offered guidance by the Commissioner of Education on measures to combat harassment and discrimination — measures that focus on intervention and education.

Party Position: On July 24, 2000, former Governor Pataki signed into law historic legislation to make schools safe. At the time former Assemblyman Sanders stated: “Schools must be safe havens where children and teachers alike can be focused on learning without the ominous sense of and real threat of danger. This important legislation addresses school violence comprehensively by considering prevention, safety protocols, and punishment. It gives parents, teachers and principals key roles in establishing vitally needed intervention programs at every school.”

The Project Save legislation was the result of a fact-finding conducted by former Lt. Governor Mary O. Donohue’s Task force, which held several statewide public hearings and one-on-one sessions with high school and middle school students at more than 75 schools. One of the components of the bill is “Character Education which requires the Board of Regents to include a civility, citizenship and character education component in the K-12 course of instruction concerning the principles of honesty, tolerance, personal responsibility, respect for others, observance of laws and rules, courtesy, dignity and other positive traits.”

The stated objectives of the proposed bill by Assemblyman O’Donnell and Senator Duane are included in Project Save. All students are protected in Project Save, this bill seeks to create a special class of students, and we urge all Members of the Legislature to reject creating special rights for a special class of students. We also believe learning is paramount and that distractions to learning should be addressed equally - when one group is given more protection than another - the problem is exacerbated.

LM2007-02