New York Expands Anti-Discrimination Law To Public Schools

ALBANY – New York state is widening its anti-discrimination laws to apply to public school children.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the measure Thursday.

Public school students had been exempted from the law under a 2012 court decision. The new rules, approved by lawmakers earlier this year, would allow the state’s Division of Human Rights to investigate allegations of bullying, harassment or other forms of discrimination.

The anti-bias law is intended to prevent discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.

Cuomo, a Democrat, says the expansion will ensure public school students are protected against bullying, harassment or bias.