NYC Schools Reinforces 'Respect for All' Inclusion Initiative
New York City Public Schools has reinforced its “Respect for All” initiative, which mandates safe learning environments free from harassment and discrimination. The program explicitly includes protections based on disability and neurodivergence and encompasses anti-bullying measures, staff training, and accessible reporting systems for students and families.
- The "Respect for All" (RFA) initiative was launched in 2007 to address harassment and discrimination, and it protects students based on race, color, citizenship/immigration status, religion, creed, national origin, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or weight. - Each school designates at least one "Respect for All" liaison to receive and follow up on complaints. Reports are filed in the Online Occurrence Reporting System (OORS), and parents can request the OORS number to track the incident. - A 2019 audit by the New York State Comptroller found that the NYC Department of Education was underreporting incidents of bullying, harassment, and discrimination as required by the state's Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). The audit revealed that for the 2016-2017 school year, no material incidents were reported for 570 schools. - According to a 2024 school survey, over half of middle and high school students reported that their classmates sometimes or often bullied, harassed, or intimidated each other, an increase from 44% in 2019. - The initiative includes an annual "Respect for All Week" with themed activities to promote diversity and prevent bullying. Themes include "Celebrating Kindness/Be an Ally Day" and "Anti-Bullying/Cyberbullying Day." - Reports of bullying and harassment can be made by students, parents, or other individuals through multiple channels, including an online complaint form, a phone support line, and email to the Office of Safety and Youth Development. Anonymous reports are accepted. - Recent survey data from 2024 shows a significant increase in online harassment, with 43% of students reporting regular cyberbullying, up from 35% in 2019. - Once a report is made, the school must notify the parents of both the alleged target and the accused student within two school days, and investigations are to be concluded within ten school days.
