About: History

MISSION STATEMENT

BAND Against Bullying was created in 2012 as a dignity themed inter-school performing arts competition to:

• Raise community awareness of bullying related issues and empower youth to be advocates of change; and
• Raise funds to support bullying prevention and intervention efforts in the community.

CURRENT CHALLENGE

Bullying and harassment occur frequently among youth (1 out of 3 students involved as perpetrator, target, or both). Bullying and harassment are related to social, emotional, behavioral, and academic problems, and can impact all of those involved.

There is unprecedented attention to these issues in the media, legislation (i.e. Dignity for All Students Act, effective July 2012), and the general public. Schools are at the forefront of many of the bullying efforts and mandates. Schools face competing priorities (budget challenges, mandates about teacher performance assessment). Youth involvement and leadership are critical for change.

DIGNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT

Signed into signed law September 13, 2010, and took effect on July 1, 2012. In accordance with the New York State Government, the Dignity for All Students Act, otherwise know as, the Dignity Act, aims to provide New York State public, elementary, and secondary schools with a safe and supportive environment on school property (i.e. school grounds, school bus, or any school function) free of discrimination, intimidation, harassment, taunting, and/or bullying. It amended Section 801-a of the New York Sate Education Law to expand on its components of tolerance and dignity awareness of people.