Governor Maura T. Healey and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell released updated guidance to K-12 schools on how to address hate and bias-motivated incidents consistent with their legal obligations. The guidance comes amid a rise in antisemitism, racism, anti-LGBTQ+ hate, Islamophobia, and hate across the globe, the country and Massachusetts – including a rise in hate-fueled assaults, incidents of white supremacist propaganda, discriminatory bullying and harassment in Massachusetts K-12 schools.
The guidance has been specifically updated to help school districts distinguish between protected student speech and unprotected bullying and harassment. It reminds school districts of their legal obligations to allow for discourse and expression of different viewpoints while also promptly investigating and responding to any and all incidents of alleged harassment or bullying. It also calls on school districts to take affirmative steps to create school environments that are safe and inclusive for all students and prevent hate and bias incidents from occurring.
“It pains me to see the rise in antisemitism, anti-LGBTQ+ hate, racism, Islamophobia and hate happening across our state, our country, and the world. I’m particularly concerned about the prevalence of hate and violence in our schools. I know that our communities are hurting, and they are frightened,” said Governor Healey. “Attorney General Campbell and I are issuing this guidance to send a clear message that hate has no place in Massachusetts – especially not in our schools. This guidance and these grants are giving our schools the tools they need to better prevent and respond to hate. Together, we can ensure that our schools are safe, welcoming, inclusive environments for all students.”
“Our administration strongly condemns hate of all kinds. But with hate crimes on the rise across our state, it’s essential that we act,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This guidance empowers schools to better prevent hate, support the mental health and wellbeing of their students, and celebrate our amazing, diverse, and inclusive communities.”
“It’s crucial that our schools take a firm stand against hate, discrimination, and bullying while also protecting students’ rights to free speech and expression, particularly in the context of ongoing violence both here and abroad,” said AG Campbell. “I am proud to partner with Governor Healey to release this updated guidance, which will help school districts navigate their legal obligations in this area and foster safe and inclusive environments for all.”
The Healey-Driscoll Administration and Attorney General’s Office’s approach to addressing hate is focused on awareness, education, and understanding. Their goal is to create environments that are safe for self-expression and conducive to dialogue and learning. This requires celebrating diverse perspectives, teaching the histories of marginalized communities, honoring their contributions to Massachusetts society, and creating safe forums for self-expression and discourse.
The updated legal guidance is accompanied by a Q&A designed for school leaders, families, and community members, and a “quick guide” flyer for families and students on responding to hate and discriminatory bullying and harassment. These documents help to ensure that all school officials have the information and tools they need to proactively create school environments that promote learning and dialogue, prevent and denounce hate in all its forms, and effectively address hate incidents when they occur.
Next month, the Attorney General’s Office will hold a Webinar training session for school leaders/principals, superintendents and school district attorneys to educate them about this updated guidance and answer any questions.
To further bolster schools’ efforts to respond to hate crimes, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has also awarded over $338,000 in Hate Crime Prevention grants to eight school districts. These are designed to support or expand programs that help educators, staff, administrators, and students reduce incidents of bias in schools. Funding supports educator professional development, community engagement and other costs associated with tackling the reduction of acts of bias and hate crimes in Massachusetts K-12 schools. This investment promotes school partnerships and collaboration with local community organizations and law enforcement, including local human rights organizations that have relationships and expertise in promoting equity, building positive school climates, preventing hate crimes, and addressing bias-motivated incidents.
DESE has also awarded $1.34 million in Genocide Education Grants to 43 Local Education Agencies, which supports districts in selecting and/or developing curriculum, providing professional development, and creating enrichment experiences related to genocide education. The program aims to train educators in content knowledge and teaching skills relevant to genocide education, more fully and sustainably incorporate genocide education resources into core curricula and provide meaningful learning experiences for students relating to genocide education.
“Schools should be places where all students, staff, and families are welcomed, and diversity is championed. Here in Massachusetts, we stand firmly against hate – and we are backing up that commitment by delivering this guidance and these investments, so schools are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to foster safe and inclusive environments that allow every student to feel supported and thrive,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler.
“These grants are important investments in building safe and respectful school communities where all students are known and valued,” said Acting Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Russell D. Johnston. “Both the hate crimes prevention and genocide education grants are built on avoiding the mistakes of the past and recognizing the dignity in everyone.”
To report a school-based incident of hate or bias, individuals may contact the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division online or at 617-963-2817.
Original source can be found here.