MA Attorney General Maura Healy and Commissioner of MA Elementary and Secondary Education, Mitchell Chester, affirm rights of immigrant and transgender students.

MA Attorney General, Maura Healey, issued a strong advisory informing school districts throughout the Commonwealth that children have a right to education regardless of immigration status. The advisory also reiterated protections against bullying and harassment at school.  According to the Globe, Commissioner Chester plans to send the advisory to 500 school districts. In the February 24, Weekly Update, the Commissioner also included  an advisory reaffirming the rights of transgender students, stating “that Massachusetts remains dedicated to protecting the rights of transgender students even in the light if recent federal actions”

In an effort to reassure parents, students, and teachers that protections remain in place for immigrant and transgender students and address the rising fear and uncertainty, several local school districts in MA, have responded with a variety of strategies including sending letters home to parents, posting statements on websites, providing resources to families and holding “know your rights seminars.”

The Boston Globe featured two articles outlining MA policies that support Safe and Supportive Schools for all students.

 

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