N.Y. Education Law Section 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.

Source: Section 801-A — Instruction in civility, citizenship and character education, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/EDN/801-A (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Mar. 9, 2025).

801
Courses of instruction in patriotism and citizenship and in certain historic documents 801–A
Instruction in civility, citizenship and character education 802
Instruction relating to the flag 802–A
Instruction relating to general elections 803
Instruction in physical education and kindred subjects 803–A
Courses of study in prevention of child abduction 803–B
Courses of study in prevention of child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse 804
Health education regarding mental health, alcohol, drugs, tobacco abuse and the prevention and detection of certain cancers 804–A
Comprehensive school health education demonstration program 804–B
Education regarding child development 804–C
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation instruction 804–D
Automated external defibrillator instruction 806
Courses of instruction in highway safety and traffic regulation 806–A
Driver education 807
Fire and emergency drills 807–A
Fire inspections 807–B
College fire inspections 807–C
Transmission of fire alarm to fire department 807–D
Locating source of fires in schools 808
Instruction in fire and arson prevention 809
Instruction in the humane treatment of animals 809–A
Instruction in the safe use of firearms and in the game laws 810
Conservation day 811
Procurement, use and possession of hypodermic syringes and needles by school personnel for educational purposes 812
Health training program for secondary school students 813
School lunch period 814
Courses of study in internet safety 815
State seal of biliteracy 816
Local library and school partnerships 817
Expanding access to advanced courses to improve educational equity 817*2
Student government 818
Evidence-based and scientifically based reading instruction
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Accessed:
Mar. 9, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 801-A’s source at nysenate​.gov

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