Enacts the "assuring college campus and educational safety and support (ACCESS) act" relating to harassment of students and applicants at educational institutions; describes the circumstances under which harassment at educational institutions is an unlawful discriminatory practice; describes the circumstances under which an educational institution is deemed to have permitted harassment; describes additional circumstances under which a college or university is deemed to have permitted harassment.
Summary
Bill A05859, known as the "assuring college campus and educational safety and support (ACCESS) act," seeks to amend the executive law regarding the harassment of students and applicants at educational institutions in New York. The bill defines harassment as an unlawful discriminatory practice when it subjects individuals to inferior terms, conditions, or privileges based on their membership in protected categories such as race, gender identity, and sexual orientation. It establishes that educational institutions must take reasonable care to prevent and address harassment, and outlines specific responsibilities for colleges and universities to create a safe environment for all students and applicants.
Impact
The bill will impact state laws by expanding the definition of harassment within educational institutions and setting clear obligations for these institutions to prevent and address such behavior. It mandates that colleges and universities implement rules against harassment, establish reporting mechanisms, and take proactive measures to ensure a safe educational environment. This could lead to increased accountability for institutions and potentially more legal actions if they fail to comply with the new standards.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around Bill A05859 appears to be supportive, as it aims to enhance protections for students and applicants against harassment in educational settings. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of the bill and the burden it places on educational institutions to comply with the new requirements.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from the interpretation of what constitutes harassment and the responsibilities placed on educational institutions. Some stakeholders may argue that the bill could lead to excessive liability for schools, while others may contend that the measures are necessary to protect vulnerable populations within educational environments.
Same As
Enacts the "assuring college campus and educational safety and support (ACCESS) act" relating to harassment of students and applicants at educational institutions; describes the circumstances under which harassment at educational institutions is an unlawful discriminatory practice; describes the circumstances under which an educational institution is deemed to have permitted harassment; describes additional circumstances under which a college or university is deemed to have permitted harassment.
Enacts the "assuring college campus and educational safety and support (ACCESS) act" relating to harassment of students and applicants at educational institutions; describes the circumstances under which harassment at educational institutions is an unlawful discriminatory practice; describes the circumstances under which an educational institution is deemed to have permitted harassment; describes additional circumstances under which a college or university is deemed to have permitted harassment.
An act to amend Sections 66281.9, 66302, 67385.7, 87604.5, 89521, and 92612.1 of, to add Section 66286 to, to repeal Section 66302.5 of, and to repeal and add Section 66262.5 of, the Education Code, relating to postsecondary education.
Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.
Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.