§ 801-a. Instruction in civility, citizenship and character education.
The regents shall ensure that the course of instruction in grades
kindergarten through twelve includes a component on civility,
citizenship and character education. Such component shall instruct
students on the principles of honesty, tolerance, personal
responsibility, respect for others, with an emphasis on discouraging
acts of harassment, bullying, discrimination, observance of laws and
rules, courtesy, dignity and other traits which will enhance the quality
of their experiences in, and contributions to, the community. Such
component shall include instruction of safe, responsible use of the
internet and electronic communications. The regents shall determine how
to incorporate such component in existing curricula and the commissioner
shall promulgate any regulations needed to carry out such determination
of the regents. For the purposes of this section, "tolerance," "respect
for others" and "dignity" shall include awareness and sensitivity to
harassment, bullying, discrimination and civility in the relations of
people of different races, weights, national origins, ethnic groups,
religions, religious practices, mental or physical abilities, sexual
orientations, genders, and sexes.