Supporting All Students, Including LGBTQ Students

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In light of recent communications from the White House and the U.S. Education Department, I want to share the following with you:

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Educational Vision remains unchanged. In its simplest form, it is to create a public education system where every student is seen, heard, and valued and where all students have the opportunity to thrive.

This work remains firmly grounded in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76, Section 5, which prohibits discrimination in public schools based on race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation, and the Massachusetts Constitution, Article CXIV of which prohibits discrimination based on disability. Massachusetts schools remain responsible for providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, and this responsibility under state law is not impacted by recent executive orders at the federal level. Our guidance on nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity in public schools is unchanged.

It is essential that schools should continue their support for marginalized students — including LGBTQ students — to reinforce that they belong in their school communities. Research consistently demonstrates that when schools take proactive steps to foster inclusivity - through strong policies, affirming practices, and supportive educators - students experience improved mental health, academic success, and overall well-being.

School and district leaders are strongly encouraged to continue implementing policies and practices that protect all students, including transgender and nonbinary students. The Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students is available to provide training, technical assistance, and implementation support to help schools uphold these commitments. If your school or district would like assistance in continuing this essential work, please reach out through the contact information at the link above.

We can work together so that all students in Massachusetts experience a safe, supportive, and affirming learning environment.

Last Updated: February 11, 2025