ABSTRACT

This chapter describes that the concept of human dignity is powerful and the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) in theory symbolized a powerful step in a positive direction. In response to failures of anti-bullying legislation, New York State developed the DASA Act that went into full implementation in 2010 and put forth the requirement of all professionals to be trained on the Act and on bullying as well as require each school to have a DASA coordinator. Every teacher and school staff member is required to take a DASA training program and schools allocate an individual who becomes the point person for bullying incidents. The chapter highlights the work of individuals that are determined to make issues of bullying and racism an ongoing dialogue in schools. Beth Lilach, senior director of education and community affairs from the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, educates to youth about the history of the Holocaust.