Bill > S07719

This bill, known as the End Bullying and Discrimination in Schools Everywhere (BEACON) Act, expands protections for students against harassment and discrimination by explicitly including immigration status as a protected category. The bill defines "immigration status" comprehensively, covering various immigration classifications like U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee or asylum status, DACA status, and also extending protections to students from mixed-status families. It broadens the definition of harassment and bullying to include conduct based on immigration status, and requires schools to take specific actions to prevent and address such discrimination. These actions include designating a Dignity Act coordinator in each school building who will serve as a point of contact for students, families, and staff regarding harassment incidents, and who cannot be a principal or disciplinary administrator. The bill also mandates that the state education commissioner develop guidance for preventing and responding to immigration status-based harassment, including model policies and best practices for training personnel and educating students and families. Additionally, the bill requires annual reporting of harassment incidents, with more detailed categorization of the types of discrimination, while ensuring student privacy is maintained. The new provisions aim to create a more inclusive and supportive school environment for students of all immigration backgrounds.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7719