New York Consolidated Laws, Education Law - EDN § 19. Legislative intent

The legislature finds that students' ability to learn and to meet high academic standards, and a school's ability to educate its students, are compromised by incidents of harassment including bullying, taunting or intimidation.  It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state to afford all students in nonpublic schools an environment free of bullying and harassment.  The purpose of this article is to foster civility in nonpublic schools and to prevent and prohibit conduct which is inconsistent with a school's educational mission.