Respect For All

Respect For All (RFA) Week

For the 2012-2013 school year, the NYC Department of Education has designated February 11-15, 2013 as RFA Week in all NYC public schools. During this week, schools will have opportunities to highlight and build upon ongoing diversity programs and curriculum-based instruction. Schools will also have opportunities to embark upon new initiatives that promote respect for diversity and engage students in meaningful lessons and/or other activities that focus on preventing bias-based harassment, intimidation and/or bullying.

If you have questions about RFA Week, please email RespectForAll@schools.nyc.gov .

Respect For All

Making NYC Public Schools Safe and Supportive for All Students

Respect for All Each student, faculty and staff member of the NYC public schools brings to our school community the richness of our city’s cultural diversity and the desire for respect. The Citywide Standards of Discipline and Intervention Measures prohibit students from bullying other students for any reason, including taunting and/or intimidation through the use of epithets or slurs involving race, color, ethnicity, national origin (which includes groups of students of common ancestry, heritage, background or those from the same country), religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or disability. This policy is in effect on school grounds, school buses and at all school sponsored activities, programs and events.

FAQ

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What happens to a student who discriminates against or harasses another student?
What is considered harassment or discriminatory behavior?
What are some examples of banned behaviors?
What should you do if you believe another student has harassed or discriminated against you or if you have witnessed such behavior?
What happens after a complaint is made?
What help is available for victims of bullying or intimidation?

What happens to a student who discriminates against or harasses another student?

The Department of Education’s Discipline Code prohibits this behavior. Students who violate the Citywide Standards of Discipline will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action as outlined in the Citywide Standards and Chancellor’s Regulation A-443.

What is considered harassment or discriminatory behavior?

Harassment/discriminatory behavior is one or more negative acts committed by one or more students against another student or group of students. Harassment or discrimination can be physical, verbal, or social. Physical harassment involves physical injury or threat of injury. Verbal harassment refers to teasing, taunting, or insulting someone. Social harassment refers to the use of peer rejection or exclusion to humiliate or isolate a person.

What are some examples of banned behaviors?

Threatening or harassing, intimidating or physically assaulting another student because of her/his race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or disability;
Using derogatory language in reference to another student’s race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or disability;
Teasing or taunting another student Making derogatory jokes or name calling or slurs directed at others because of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or disability;
Written or graphic material, including graffiti, containing comments or stereotypes that are either posted, circulated or are written or printed on clothing or circulated on the Internet (cyber-bullying) that are derogatory of others because of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or disability;
Negative stereotypes or hostile acts which are derogatory to others because of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or disability.

What should you do if you believe another student has harassed or discriminated against you or if you have witnessed such behavior?

Students who believe they have been the victim of bullying or intimidating behavior by another student, and all students with knowledge of such behavior, should report the incident immediately.

Complaints of discrimination or harassment can be submitted in writing or orally to the school staff members listed on your school’s Respect For All posters which are displayed throughout your school or to any school staff.
Complaints should be reported as soon as possible after the incident(s) so they can be effectively investigated and resolved.
Staff members will report student complaints to the appropriate school supervisor.
Staff members who witness harassment or discriminatory behavior will also report such an incident to the appropriate supervisor. Staff will take appropriate action to intervene to stop such behavior.

What happens after a complaint is made?

All reports of bullying, harassment or intimidating behavior will be investigated. The parents of both the alleged victim(s) and the accused student(s) will be notified of the results of investigation (subject to applicable confidentiality requirements.)

At the conclusion of an investigation, a written determination will be made regarding whether the conduct occurred and whether it constitutes bullying or intimidation or another violation of the Discipline Code.

If the conduct constitutes a violation of the Discipline Code, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with the Citywide Standards of Discipline and Intervention Measures.

If appropriate, individual or group counseling and/or other interventions will be provided.

What help is available for victims of bullying or intimidation?

School counselors are available to provide counseling services.