Audit: Many schools misreporting or not reporting bullying

<p>A new audit by the state comptroller finds that many New York schools are misreporting or completely failing to report incidents of bullying to the state Education Department, as required by law. Four years ago, the &quot;Dignity for All Students Act&quot; was implemented to protect students from discrimination, harassment and bullying based on categories such as race, gender and sexual orientation. The state audit found that for three consecutive years, 41 percent of schools in Nas...</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 13, 2017, 9:28 PM

Updated 2,386 days ago

Share:

A new audit by the state comptroller finds that many New York schools are misreporting or completely failing to report incidents of bullying to the state Education Department, as required by law.
Four years ago, the "Dignity for All Students Act" was implemented to protect students from discrimination, harassment and bullying based on categories such as race, gender and sexual orientation.
The state audit found that for three consecutive years, 41 percent of schools in Nassau County and 33 percent of schools in Suffolk County reported zero violations of the "Dignity for All Students Act,"  when in fact the state comptroller says bullying was happening. 
Ezra Green, 16, says he’s not surprised. Green identifies as a male but was born female.  He says he's had to put up with a lot of bullying because of that, and that most of it happened as a student at Harry B. Thompson Middle School in Syosset.
“It would follow me out of school, so even when I left for the day, I’d be getting these hate messages anonymously online,” says Green.
The Syosset Central School District didn't comment specifically on Green's case, but said it is in full compliance with DASA and has implemented programs to promote tolerance.
Freeport High School was specifically named in the audit for failing to report incidents under DASA, but it did report bullying under a different category. In a statement, the district superintendent said the reporting criteria for both categories is very similar, but that this past year they made sure to file the incidents in the Dignity for All Students category.


More from News 12
0:49
Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

1:17
Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

Sunny and cool for Friday; chance for rain late Saturday into Sunday

2:01
Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:48
Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

2:01
Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

1:56
Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

1:54
South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

1:27
East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

2:35
Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

0:36
11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

0:27
Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

1:13
The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:01
Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

0:20
Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

0:21
UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

0:26
Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

Court adjourned for two suspects in human remains case

0:31
John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks

John's Crazy Socks, Guide Dog Foundation unveil world's first tactile Braille socks