NYSUT's Responding to Disinformation Attacks on Educators guide provides guidelines and legal advisories for educators facing harassment and threats due to their efforts to teach inclusive and historically accurate curricula.
View and Download the PDF Guide
Key topics in this guide include:
- Obligations and Legal Requirements: Public schools are legally required to teach diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Various New York State laws mandate the accurate portrayal of cultural and racial diversity, prohibit discrimination, and establish DEI policies.
Schools must provide safe and inclusive environments for all students, including protections for LGBTQ+ students under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA).
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Protection Against Disinformation Attacks: Educators are facing coordinated attacks aimed at undermining DEI efforts.
Legal protections for educators include Education Law §2801-a, Labor Law §27-a, Penal Law §195.05, and the Taylor Law, which collectively ensure safe workplaces and prohibit harassment.
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Responding to Online Harassment: Recommendations for preventing and responding to online harassment include securing online accounts, removing private information from the internet, and managing social media privacy settings.
Legal recourse for online harassment includes documenting threats, reporting to social media platforms, and seeking legal advice for potential civil tort actions.
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Districts’ Duties: Districts are responsible for developing comprehensive school safety plans and workplace violence prevention programs.
Anti-discrimination laws require districts to investigate and address harassment, ensuring a safe and discrimination-free work environment.
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Further Resources: Additional guidance and resources are available from organizations like the U.S. Department of Education, NEA, ACLU, and PEN America.
Educators are encouraged to report any district policies that censor accurate teaching or violate legal obligations to their local union leadership for further assistance.