As news of hate speech and hate crimes spread throughout the state following Donald Trump’s presidential win, local schools remain alert and prepared to handle any potential concerns.
A number of school districts across Monroe County have setup phone numbers for people to anonymously call and report situations that may pose a threat to the safety or well-being of students, staff members, or school property.
“Their complaints are treated as valid and there’s a process for following up and making sure they’re protected; and if there is an issue, it’s dealt with quickly,” said Sherry Johnson, executive director of the Monroe County School Boards Association.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the launch of a new hotline Tuesday, after what he called a recent uptick in reports of discrimination, bias-motivated threats, harassment and violence.
Officials are investigating two recent incidents of swastika graffiti in western New York, one in Wellsville and the other at the State University of New York at Geneseo.
“We want to make a clear statement in this state that there is no place for racism, there’s no place for hate, there’s no place for swastikas,” Cuomo said, “There’s no place for racially inflammatory and divisive rhetoric or acts.”
The Governor announced that he will send a letter to the State Education Department requesting schools hold trainings to combat intolerance toward students.
The hotlines used within Monroe County school districts comply with the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which focuses on protecting students from hostile environments.
“Our staff members are trained on a number of issues and when DASA was put in place, it was also a requirement that they oversee and coordinate prevention committees,” Johnson said.
According to Cuomo, the new, toll-free hotline is available to New Yorkers who have experienced bias or discrimination. They are encouraged to file a complaint with the Division of Human Rights by calling (888) 392-3644 during weekday business hours.
