Brooklyn Lab Charter School (LAB) has a proactive policy to eliminate bullying of any kind. This policy involves defining and addressing harassment and bullying, as well as providing consequences for engaging in such behaviors.
Furthermore, the school has a comprehensive plan to counteract bullying which includes educating staff, scholars, and families on the meaning and importance of DASA.
This article will discuss the policy in detail, as well as the school's commitment to eradicating bullying.
Who Are We?
→ Founded in 2013, Brooklyn LAB aims to eliminate educational disparities by empowering scholars with vital academic knowledge, digital skills, and leadership capabilities required for college and career success.
→ Brooklyn LAB is dedicated to assisting students with the highest needs, irrespective of their academic achievements, English language proficiency, or disabilities.
→ The Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School and Edmund W. Gordon Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School (EWG) charters of Brooklyn LAB are authorized by the New York State Education Department.
At LAB High School, we equip students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for thriving in both college and their careers, ensuring they have access to various opportunities and choices throughout their lives. Our students gain profound subject expertise and crucial academic abilities, such as research, logical thinking, argumentation, data and evidence utilization, and effective communication.
• Hands-on & Cutting-edge Approach
• Intimate Group Settings
• Extended Learning Hours
Contact Us:
Brooklyn Laboratory Charter Schools
77 Sands St, 2nd Floor Brooklyn, NY, 11201
For Admission Inquiries:
Tel: 347-853-6762
For Main Office Inquiries:
Tel: 347-473-8340
Understanding the Proactive Anti-Bullying Policy at Brooklyn Lab Charter School
Brooklyn Lab Charter School (LAB) is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for its scholars. This commitment is in accordance with the Dignity for All Scholars Act (DASA), which seeks to protect scholars from harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
To ensure this, LAB has a proactive anti-bullying policy which defines harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying, and protects scholars from discrimination based on their actual or perceived characteristics.
Promoting a Safe and Respectful Learning Environment
By creating a safe and respectful learning environment through consistent training and reinforcement of policy, Brooklyn Lab Charter School works to ensure that all scholars are treated with respect and dignity.
All LAB staff, scholars, and families are educated on the meaning and importance of the Dignity for All Scholars Act (DASA), which is a New York State policy that provides a safe and productive learning environment for all students. As part of DASA, LAB staff members are responsible for reporting any instances of bullying or discrimination of which they become aware. The school also reserves the right to discipline students who engage in bullying or discrimination off-campus if it is deemed to affect the educative process, endanger the health and safety of students, or pose a danger to the health and safety of school scholars.
In order to promote a safe and respectful learning environment, LAB also conducts multi-day DASA training for staff and family orientation where the definitions of harassment and bullying, policies, procedures and consequences are discussed. Additionally, LAB integrates its core values into lessons through advisory, success coaching, community circles, and restorative practices.
These approaches are used to reteach and reinforce the messages learned from the DASA training, while using disruptions of the code of conduct as teachable moments. All of these procedures are in place to ensure that all students are treated with respect and dignity and that any instances of bullying or discrimination are addressed promptly.
The Dignity for All Scholars Act (DASA) and LAB's Commitment
DASA provides a framework for a safe and productive learning environment, and LAB is committed to upholding its principles. The school's zero-tolerance policy for bullying is outlined in the Disciplinary Policy and Code of Conduct which prohibits any forms of harassment or bullying, including cyberbullying.
The definition of harassment and bullying is broad and includes verbal and nonverbal actions, as well as conduct or threats off school property that could foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment. Additionally, discrimination based on an individual's race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex is not tolerated.
The school has taken several steps to ensure that all staff, students, and families are educated on the importance of DASA. All staff must complete a multi-day DASA training and the school includes discussion on definitions, policies, procedures, and consequences during the family orientation.
School orientation also focuses on the rationale and importance of the policy, and allows students to share their ideas and enlist their peers in the value of creating a safe and inclusive community. To reinforce the message, the school uses restorative practices, teachable moments, and integration of core values into lessons.
All staff members are responsible for reporting any incidents of harassment or bullying of which they have been made aware. In cases where the misconduct occurs off school property, the school reserves the right to discipline the students, consistent with their Code of Conduct.
Defining Harassment, Bullying, and Cyberbullying
The Disciplinary Policy and Code of Conduct defines harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying as conduct or threats that cause a hostile environment, interfere with educational performance, or cause emotional or physical harm. Harassment and bullying are defined as the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by threats, intimidation or abuse. This can include verbal and non-verbal actions, that has or would have the effect of interfering with a scholar's educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being; or reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a scholar to fear for his or her physical safety; or reasonably causes or would be reasonably expected to cause physical injury or emotional harm to a scholar; or occurs off school property and creates or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment. Cyberbullying is defined as harassment or bullying that occurs through any form of electronic communication.
Protecting Scholars from Discrimination Based on Actual or Perceived Characteristics
LAB is committed to protecting scholars from discrimination based on actual or perceived characteristics, such as race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex. The School has taken numerous steps to ensure this protection:
All LAB staff, scholars, and families are educated on the meaning and importance of DASA.
All staff complete a multi-day DASA training.
At family orientation, the School discusses the definitions of harassment and bullying, policies, procedures, and consequences.
At scholar orientation, DASA is one of the primary objectives; the School focuses explicitly on the rationale and importance of this policy and lifts up scholar voices to share and enlist their peers in the value of creating a safe and inclusive community.
The School reserves the right to discipline scholars, consistent with the Code of Conduct, who engage in harassment or bullying of scholars off school property under circumstances where such off-campus conduct affects the educative process, endangers the health and safety of LAB scholars within the educational system, or is reasonably believed to pose a danger to the health and safety of School scholars within the educational system.
All staff members are responsible for reporting harassment, bullying or discrimination of which they have been made aware to their immediate supervisor. Additionally, the School prohibits any retaliatory behavior directed against complainants, victims, witnesses, and/or any other individuals who participate in the investigation of allegations of harassment, bullying or discrimination.
Implementing the Anti-Bullying Policy at LAB
School employees have a critical role in preventing harassment and bullying at LAB.
The school's Disciplinary Policy and Code of Conduct outlines disciplinary measures for such actions, ensuring the health and safety of scholars in and out of the classroom.
In addition, the school reserves the right to address off-campus harassment and bullying that affects the school environment.
The Role of School Employees in Preventing Bullying
Employees at Brooklyn Lab Charter School are responsible for actively addressing any instances of harassment, bullying, or discrimination, and are expected to report incidents to the appropriate authorities.
All staff members are expected to be aware of and adhere to the school's Dignity for All Scholars Act (DASA) policy, and are responsible for reporting any incidents of harassment or bullying of which they have been made aware.
The school also reserves the right to discipline scholars who engage in bullying or harassment off school property, provided that such behavior could reasonably be expected to create a risk of disruption within the school environment.
The school's disciplinary policy and code of conduct prohibits any kind of harassment or bullying, and staff members are expected to take prompt action to investigate complaints and take appropriate disciplinary action against any offender.
All staff members and scholars at Brooklyn Lab Charter School receive training on the meaning and importance of DASA, and the school routinely takes measures to educate all staff, scholars, and families on the definition and consequences of bullying.
Through advisory, success coaching, community circles, and integration of core values into lessons, the school reinforces its anti-bullying policy and works to create a safe and inclusive environment.
Disciplinary Measures for Harassment and Bullying according to the Code of Conduct
Disciplinary measures for harassment and bullying according to the Code of Conduct are designed to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all scholars. The LAB Disciplinary Policy and Code of Conduct prohibits harassment and bullying, and scholars who engage in such behavior will be disciplined as set forth in the Code of Conduct.
To ensure that all scholars, staff, and families are aware of the policy, training and orientation are conducted to educate everyone on the meaning and importance of the Dignity for All Scholars Act (“DASA”). Through advisory, success coaching, community circles, restorative practices and teachable moments, we reinforce these messages.
All staff members are responsible for reporting incidents of harassment, bullying or discrimination of which they have been made aware to their immediate supervisor. Any scholar who believes they have been subjected to harassment, bullying or discrimination, as well as any other person who has knowledge of or witnesses any possible occurrence of such acts, must report it to any staff member, the DAC, or the School Director.
The School Director shall promptly investigate the complaint and take appropriate action including referral to the next level of supervisory authority and/or other officials designated by the Board to investigate. When an investigation reveals any verified harassment, bullying or discrimination, the School will take prompt actions to eliminate any hostile environment and create a more positive school culture and climate. Any such actions shall be consistent with the LAB Discipline Policy and Code of Conduct.
Incidents of harassment, bullying and/or discrimination must be reported to the State Education Department if they occurred on school grounds or at a school function, and law enforcement authorities shall be notified if the School Director believes that any harassment, bullying or discrimination constitutes criminal conduct.
Retaliation is prohibited against any individual who participates in the investigation of allegations of harassment, bullying or discrimination, and those who participate must be protected from any form of retaliation.
Ensuring the Health and Safety of Scholars in and out of the Classroom
In order to ensure the health and safety of scholars, the LAB Disciplinary Policy and Code of Conduct prohibits harassment and bullying, and those who engage in such behavior will be subject to discipline.
Further, the School reserves the right to discipline scholars, consistent with the Code of Conduct, who engage in harassing or bullying behavior off school property under circumstances which may disrupt the school environment.
In addition, all school staff, scholars, and families are educated on the meaning and importance of the Dignity for All Scholars Act (“DASA”), and any incident of harassment, bullying, or discrimination is promptly addressed.
The School Director is responsible for promptly investigating any complaint and taking the appropriate action, which may include referral to the next level of supervisory authority and/or other designated individuals to investigate the allegations.
In order to prevent recurrence of such behavior, the School Director may take measures such as follow-up inquiries and/or appropriate monitoring of the alleged harasser and victim.
Additionally, the School Director shall notify law enforcement authorities when the School Director believes that any harassment, bullying or discrimination constitutes criminal conduct.
Lastly, LAB also prohibits any retaliatory behavior directed against complainants, victims, witnesses, and/or any other individuals who participate in the investigation of allegations of harassment, bullying or discrimination.
Addressing Off-Campus Harassment and Bullying that Affects the School Environment
It is the responsibility of the School Director to take appropriate action to address off-campus harassment and bullying that may create a risk of disruption to the school environment. The School reserves the right to discipline scholars, consistent with the Code of Conduct, for engaging in harassment or bullying of scholars off school property. This includes, but is not limited to:
Affecting the educative process;
Endangering the health and safety of scholars within the educational system;
Posing a danger to the health and safety of school scholars within the educational system.
The School Director will promptly investigate the complaint and take appropriate action to effectively eliminate any hostile environment, create a more positive school culture and climate, and prevent further occurrences of the behavior.
The School Director is also responsible for notifying law enforcement authorities when the harassment, bullying or discrimination constitutes criminal conduct.
Commitment to Eradicating Bullying at Brooklyn Lab Charter School
Brooklyn Lab Charter School (LAB) is dedicated to providing a safe, secure, and dignified learning environment for its students. To ensure this, the school enforces the Dignity for All Scholars Act (DASA), which prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment.
LAB is committed to identifying and addressing all incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and discrimination. All stakeholders are educated on these topics and the school reserves the right to discipline students who engage in such behaviors.
Fostering a Secure and Dignified Learning Atmosphere
To ensure a secure and dignified learning atmosphere for all, Brooklyn Lab Charter School has implemented a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
In accordance with New York State's Dignity for All Scholars Act (“DASA”), the school will address all incidents of harassment and bullying, which includes verbal and non-verbal actions, cyberbullying, and discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.
The school has established disciplinary policies and codes of conduct that prohibit harassment and bullying, with appropriate consequences for those who violate the policy.
Additionally, the school reserves the right to discipline scholars engaging in off-campus conduct that affects the educative process, endangers the health and safety of school scholars, or is reasonably believed to pose a danger to the health and safety of school scholars.
All staff, scholars, and families are educated on the meaning and importance of DASA, and staff undergo professional training to ensure understanding and adherence.
Finally, the school Director promptly notifies law enforcement authorities when appropriate, and prohibits any retaliatory behavior against complainants.
Enforcing the Dignity for All Scholars Act (DASA) in LAB's Anti-Bullying Approach
LAB actively enforces the Dignity for All Scholars Act (DASA) to ensure all scholars are treated with respect and dignity, and that any incidents of harassment and/or discrimination are promptly addressed. This Act defines harassment and bullying to include verbal and non-verbal actions based on a person's actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex. Cyberbullying, which occurs through any form of electronic communication, is also prohibited. Moreover, LAB reserves the right to discipline scholars for harassment or bullying that occurs off school property, if it affects the educative process or endangers the health and safety of scholars within the educational system.
In order to ensure that DASA is upheld, all staff, scholars, and families are educated on the meaning and importance of the Act. All staff complete a multi-day DASA training, while family orientation and scholar orientation focus explicitly on the rationale and importance of this policy.
Through advisory, success coaching, community circles, and integration of core values into lessons, DASA is reinforced. Additionally, staff members are obligated to report any incidents of harassment or bullying to their immediate supervisor, and the School Director is responsible for promptly investigating any complaints. Furthermore, material incidents of harassment, bullying and/or discrimination on school grounds or at a school function are reported to the State Education Department as required by law.
LAB prohibits any retaliatory behavior directed against complainants, victims, witnesses, and/or any other individuals who participate in the investigation of allegations of harassment, bullying or discrimination.
Identifying and Addressing Harassment, Bullying, and Cyberbullying
In accordance with the Dignity for All Scholars Act (DASA), Brooklyn Lab Charter School (LAB) is committed to identifying and addressing all incidents of harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying.
Harassment and bullying are defined as the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or threats, intimidation, or abuse, which interferes with a scholar's educational performance, opportunities, or benefits, or mental, emotional, or physical well-being. Cyberbullying is included in this definition, and can occur through any form of electronic communication.
LAB has a zero-tolerance policy for these behaviors, and any scholar found engaging in such acts will be disciplined according to the school's code of conduct.
Safeguarding Scholars Against Discrimination and Harassment in All Forms
Safeguarding scholars from discrimination and harassment in all forms is a priority of Brooklyn Lab Charter School.
Brooklyn Lab Charter School (LAB) has a zero-tolerance policy for any bullying, as well as any form of harassment or discrimination against any scholar enrolled at the school.
Such acts of harassment and bullying include, but are not limited to:
Verbal and non-verbal actions that create a hostile environment, interfere with a scholar's educational performance, or cause a scholar to fear for their physical safety
Bullying based on a person's actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex
Cyberbullying, which includes any form of electronic communication that meets any of the points listed above
LAB staff, scholars, and families are educated about the meaning and importance of DASA.
All staff must complete a multi-day training, and both family orientation and scholar orientation dedicate time to discussing the definitions and policies of this policy.
Advisory, success coaching, and community circles are also used to reteach and reinforce these messages.
Additionally, the school reserves the right to discipline scholars for off-campus acts of bullying and harassment, should it affect the educative process, endanger the health and safety of scholars, or pose a danger to the health and safety of scholars.
Brooklyn Lab's Comprehensive Plan to Counteract Bullying
The Brooklyn Lab Charter School (LAB) takes a zero-tolerance stance on bullying of any kind. This is reflected in the school's commitment to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for scholars.
To ensure this, school staff have an obligation to report incidents of harassment and bullying and to take disciplinary action in accordance with the school's Code of Conduct.
Additionally, the well-being of all scholars is prioritized, both within and beyond the classroom setting.
The school also makes efforts to appropriately address bullying incidents that occur off campus, if they create a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment.
The Responsibility of School Staff in Eliminating Bullying
School staff have a responsibility to report any incidents of harassment, bullying or discrimination to their supervisors, so that appropriate action can be taken to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all scholars. This includes:
Reporting any incidents witnessed by staff:
Creating a hostile environment by conduct or by threats, intimidation or abuse, including cyberbullying
Discrimination based on the scholar's actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex
Promptly notifying the School Director and filing a written report:
Within one school day if incidents are witnessed
Within two school days if report is received orally or in writing
In addition, the School reserves the right to discipline scholars, consistent with its Code of Conduct, who engage in harassment or bullying of scholars off school property under circumstances where such off-campus conduct affects the educative process, endangers the health and safety of LAB scholars, or is reasonably believed to pose a danger to the health and safety of School scholars.
All LAB staff, scholars, and families are educated on the meaning and importance of DASA to help create a safe and inclusive community.
Finally, any retaliatory behavior directed against those who participate in the investigation of allegations of harassment, bullying or discrimination is strictly prohibited.
Implementing Disciplinary Actions for Harassment and Bullying as Per the Code of Conduct
Transitioning to the current subtopic, the implementation of disciplinary actions for harassment and bullying according to the Code of Conduct is a vital part of Brooklyn Lab Charter School's proactive anti-bullying policy. Brooklyn Lab Charter School (LAB) takes a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, bullying, and discrimination of any kind, and enforces this policy through the Code of Conduct. As such, any scholars found to have violated these rules will be subject to certain disciplinary actions.
The disciplinary actions for violations of the Code of Conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Action | Description | Consequence |
Verbal Warning | A verbal warning from a staff member addressing the inappropriate behavior. | Scholars may be asked to apologize or make amends to the affected scholar(s). |
Written Warning | A document outlining the inappropriate behavior and the disciplinary action taken. | Scholars may need to attend training or counseling sessions. |
Detention | A time-out period during which scholars are not allowed to engage in any activities or interact with other scholars. | Scholars may be suspended or expelled from school. |
The Code of Conduct and disciplinary actions are reinforced through various methods such as DASA training for staff, family orientation, scholar orientation, advisory, restorative practices, and integration of core values into lessons. This helps to ensure that all staff, scholars, and families are aware of the policy and its implications.
Prioritizing the Well-being of Scholars Within and Beyond the Classroom
Prioritizing the well-being of scholars in and out of the classroom is a key pillar of creating a safe and supportive environment.
To ensure scholars are safe and free from all forms of bullying and harassment, the Brooklyn Lab Charter School has established a proactive anti-bullying policy. This policy includes educating staff, scholars, and families on the meaning and importance of the Dignity for All Scholars Act (DASA).
All staff members complete a multi-day DASA training and family orientation includes discussion of the definitions of harassment and bullying, policies, procedures, and consequences. At scholar orientation, the rationale and importance of the policy is focused on, and scholar voices are used to share and enlist their peers in the value of creating a safe and inclusive community.
Additionally, the school reserves the right to discipline scholars who engage in harassment or bullying of scholars off school property under circumstances where such off-campus conduct affects the educational process, endangers the health and safety of scholars, or poses a danger to the health and safety of scholars within the educational system.
All staff members are responsible for reporting any incidents of harassment or bullying to their immediate supervisor, and the Disciplinary Policy and Code of Conduct prohibits such behavior. If an investigation reveals any verified harassment or bullying, the school will take prompt action to end it, eliminate any hostile environment, and create a more positive school culture and climate.
Restorative practices and teachable moments are used to help improve scholar behavior and lower the incidence of misbehavior.
Dealing with Off-Campus Bullying Incidents That Impact the School Community
Adopting a comprehensive approach to dealing with off-campus bullying incidents that may affect the school community is essential for maintaining an environment of respect and inclusivity. With this in mind, the Brooklyn Lab Charter School has developed a policy that addresses off-campus bullying incidents. The policy states that any scholar who engages in harassment or bullying off school property will be disciplined, consistent with the school's Code of Conduct.
The policy also prohibits any retaliatory behavior directed against any person who participates in the investigation of a bullying incident. The school takes all allegations of harassment, bullying, or discrimination seriously, and will promptly investigate any reports and take appropriate action. The school also reserves the right to notify law enforcement authorities if the Director believes the incident constitutes criminal conduct.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brooklyn Lab Charter School has demonstrated a firm commitment to reducing and ultimately eliminating bullying in their school.
The proactive anti-bullying policy has been developed in order to ensure that all students are provided with a safe and comfortable learning environment.
The school has provided staff, scholars, and families with an understanding of the definition of harassment and bullying, as well as the consequences of engaging in such behaviors.
They have also implemented a comprehensive plan to counteract bullying, including a variety of educational programs and resources to help promote a positive school culture.
Brooklyn Lab Charter School is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.