FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Slate Hill, NY — April 20, 2026 — Serious concerns are being raised regarding the handling of multiple complaints filed under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) within the Minisink School District. A local parent has filed several formal DASA reports over the course of recent months alleging ongoing harassment of her daughter by both students and, in part, school staff. To date, the parent reports that she has received little to no meaningful response or resolution regarding these complaints.
Under New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act, school districts are required to investigate reports of harassment, bullying, and discrimination promptly and take appropriate action. While specific timelines may vary by district policy, investigations are expected to be conducted in a timely manner, with findings communicated to families without unnecessary delay. The lack of response in this case raises questions about compliance with both the spirit and requirements of the law.
According to the parent, instead of fostering a safe and supportive educational environment, the situation has escalated. There are growing concerns about possible retaliation, as well as the inappropriate sharing of sensitive information by staff, which may have contributed to further teasing and harassment of the student.
In addition, the student at the center of this situation was reportedly issued a three-day suspension after speaking up in her own defense in response to ongoing harassment. According to the parent, the student’s response included a reference to an inappropriate video that the other student had previously created and circulated among peers. This disciplinary action has raised additional concerns among the family about fairness, consistency, and whether the context of ongoing harassment was fully considered.
“This law exists to protect students and ensure they feel safe in school,” said Cindy-Lee Dorcely, President of the NAACP Middletown Branch. “When complaints go unanswered for months, it undermines trust in the system and leaves vulnerable students without the protections they are legally entitled to.”
Additionally, conversations with other parents in the district suggest that this may not be an isolated incident. Several families report experiencing similar concerns related to discriminatory practices and inadequate responses to complaints. However, many are reluctant to come forward publicly due to fear of retaliation against their children.
The situation highlights the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to established policies designed to protect students. Families deserve clear communication, timely investigations, and assurance that their children can attend school without fear of harassment or reprisal.
The NAACP is calling on district leadership to:
- Provide a full and timely review of all outstanding DASA complaints
- Communicate findings and actions taken to affected families
- Ensure safeguards are in place to prevent retaliation
- Reinforce staff training on confidentiality and appropriate handling of sensitive information, tolerance and fair treatment for ALL students
Every student has the right to a safe and supportive learning environment. Addressing these concerns promptly and transparently is essential to restoring confidence and ensuring that right is upheld.
Media Contact:
Cindy-Lee Dorcely
(845) 869-5127
naacpmiddletown@gmail.com
