Press Release: 9/23/2025

Governor Healey and Attorney General Campbell Issue Joint Guidance Affirming Commitment to Equal Access to Education

 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



9/23/2025



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Karissa Hand, Press Secretary



 Phone



Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025



BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued joint guidance today to support Massachusetts’ higher education and K-12 institutions in their work to further equal access and representation in education. This guidance comes in response to the U.S. Attorney General’s July 29, 2025 “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination” that purports to help entities comply with federal antidiscrimination laws, as well as in response to a federal district court striking down the U.S. Department of Education’s February 14, 2025 “Dear Colleague” letter that targeted diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility policies and programming and the requirement that school districts certify compliance with their definition of antidiscrimination to continue receiving federal financial assistance. The guidance clarifies the legal landscape for campuses and schools as court precedent is evolving and attacks by the federal government continue on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. 



For this new school year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration and AG Campbell are highlighting information and resources relating to fostering safe and inclusive schools and campuses for all students. Massachusetts is proudly home to the first public school, and students of all backgrounds – regardless of circumstances, identity, or zip code – have the right to access and deserve to feel welcomed and valued in the state’s public schools. 



“Massachusetts has the best public schools in the country, and that’s in large part due to the fact that we know that diversity is a strength, not a flaw,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As students head back to school this year, we want them to know that, in Massachusetts, they are all welcome at school and will be supported by our incredible educators and staff. I want to thank Attorney General Campbell for her partnership and her leadership in standing up against the Trump Administration's illegal actions. Massachusetts will continue to stay true to who we are and what we know works.” 



“Despite the federal government's best efforts to undermine progress, the law remains crystal clear that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are both legal and necessary in ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, can learn in a safe, supportive environment without stigma, is treated fairly, and is prepared to work in our diverse society,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. “I'm grateful to Governor Healey and her administration for the continued collaboration in protecting DEIA policies and practices in our educational system and beyond.” 



“Governor Healey and I are proud that Massachusetts law protects all students from discrimination,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We want to wish all students, educators, faculty and school administrators a great school year ahead, filled with learning, joy and kindness.” 



“More than ever, it is incumbent on schools and school leaders to create a culture in which all students feel safe, supported, and fully included. In Massachusetts, we want all students to be able to realize their dreams – to feel seen and heard,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “The Trump Administration is going to continue their attempt to take us back decades, exacerbating real inequities in educational access and achievement that still exist today. But as the courts have shown recently, we are not going to let them bully us into abandoning our values. Not today, not ever.” 



In addition to this joint guidance, Commissioner Martinez and Commissioner Ortega shared additional information and resources with school districts and campuses, which you can read in their letters here for K-12 and here for higher education. 



Fostering Safe and Inclusive Schools: 



In June 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor, a case addressing whether a school district could prevent parents of elementary school students from opting out of LGBTQ-inclusive books in the curriculum. Today’s guidance reiterates that K-12 schools should continue to use an inclusive, age-appropriate curriculum, which can include topics like race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and religion. There are significant, well-established benefits to representing students’ identities in the curriculum, and public schools should not interpret the Mahmoud decision as requiring or permitting them to erase particular groups from the curriculum. Massachusetts state laws and regulations continue to prohibit discrimination against any particular group in instruction or curriculum. 



Additional resources available include:





Immigrant Students:



Governor Maura Healey recently signed the Protect Education Equity Bill, which added guarantees to the right to a public education in the state for all students regardless of their immigration or citizenship status. That law is in addition to the following existing resources:





"As an immigrant myself, I know how important it is for families to be welcomed to school and to know their rights," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "Our schools are strong because all of us - students, teachers and staff members - bring our own diverse and valuable insights to the classroom." 



“Massachusetts remains committed to ensuring safe, inclusive and welcoming campus environments for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, beliefs, or immigration status,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “Students deserve welcoming campuses and equitable higher education opportunities, and the more we achieve this, the more the entire Commonwealth benefits.”  



"Every student deserves access to a supportive learning environment where they can thrive and feel safe,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This guidance affirms the Commonwealth's commitment to upholding the fundamental right to education, ensuring that all students are provided with the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. I want to thank Governor Healey and Attorney General Campbell for their leadership in providing clear guidance to support schools in fostering dignity and inclusion.” 



“Diversity and inclusion make our schools stronger—and our entire Commonwealth stronger,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “No matter your background, you should be able to see yourself reflected in the stories you read in class and know that your school is a safe, welcoming place to learn and grow. I applaud the Governor and Attorney General for issuing this guidance and reaffirming that in Massachusetts, every student has an equal right to education.” 



Statements of Support 



Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education:



“Fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is an essential pillar to the excellent education system we have here in Massachusetts. Thank you to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and Attorney General Campbell for their leadership in ensuring schools continued their DEI practices and understood the illegality of the Trump administration’s threats. All students deserve the right to a high-quality education in a safe and inclusive learning environment.” 



Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education:



"As our students return to school this fall, the Legislature is committed to passing policies that protect equal access to education for all our learners from early education to higher education. We value the contributions of members from every community within the Commonwealth, as these individuals make Massachusetts a better place to live." 



Anna Krieger, Executive Director, Massachusetts Advocates for Children:



“Today, as the school year begins, the Healey-Driscoll administration has sent a powerful message that promoting and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion makes education stronger. When we welcome and support immigrant students and their families, when we embrace race as essential to a student’s identity, and when we provide robust supports for disabled students, schools can be a place of learning, growth, and opportunity for all. We will continue to work alongside all families and with our government partners to make this promise a reality so that every child can learn, grow, and thrive when they walk inside a public school in the Commonwealth.” 



Shaplaie Brooks, Executive Director, Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth:



“Every student in Massachusetts has the right to learn in an environment where they are safe, respected, and supported—whether they are LGBTQ+, a student of color, an immigrant, living with a disability, or experiencing compounded inequities across these identities. The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth strongly supports the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Attorney General Campbell in reaffirming our Commonwealth’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging in our schools. As the new school year begins, this updated guidance makes clear that Massachusetts will continue to lead with values rooted in justice and care for all young people. The Commission remains committed to ensuring that students experiencing compounded inequities are not only protected, but that their voices and needs are centered as we work alongside state agencies, educators, and communities.” 



Mary M. Bourque, Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.):



“We are relieved that a U.S. District Court Judge has struck down the Trump Administration’s ‘Dear Colleague’ letter that aimed to undermine schools’ critical programs to ensure diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. District leaders across the Commonwealth understand the importance of creating safe learning environments where students of all backgrounds are welcomed, celebrated, supported, and challenged to excel. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Attorney General Campbell for providing updated guidance that affirms our schools' constitutional right to continue and accelerate this work.” 



Jessica Tang, President, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts:



"Even with the Constitution on our side, the attempts by the White House to strip public schools of the ability to welcome and teach all students are having chilling effects on our schools and communities. Massachusetts educators will not be deterred from protecting every child's access to a high-quality public education that opens doors for economic opportunity and helps foster inclusivity and tolerance for all. We are experiencing truly turbulent times in public education and are proud to stand with Massachusetts elected leaders in their work to safeguard the rights of all students and ensure our schools remain safe spaces where all students can learn and thrive.” 



Jason Fraser, President, Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) and member of Silver Lake and Kingston School Committees:



“MASC continues to commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion and supports the court decision. We applaud the Administration and EoE for reaffirming our collaboration and these goals.” 



Marty Meehan, President, UMass:



“Despite the challenges and obstacles facing higher education, UMass remains committed to our values and to fostering supportive and welcoming communities where all experiences, cultures and perspectives are respected. I’m proud of the work that we've ​done to ensure that our campus student bodies reflect the vibrant diversity of our state. We are incredibly grateful to Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, and Attorney General Campbell for their leadership and unwavering support for higher education and equal opportunity.” 



Dr. Linda Thompson, chair of the Massachusetts Council of State University Presidents, and President of Westfield State University:



“Public higher education in the Commonwealth has a collective mission: to offer accessible, affordable, and high-quality academic programs in a supportive community. We are dedicated to providing a diverse learning environment where every individual is respected and valued, and we will continue advocating for policies that serve and advance our campus communities. We are grateful to Attorney General Campbell and the Healey-Driscoll administration for their leadership and support in working to strengthen our campus communities.”  



Dr. William Heineman, President of North Shore Community College and Chair of the Community College Council of Presidents:



“While the shifting federal landscape has caused chaos, confusion, and concern across higher education, our community colleges remain unwavering in our support of our student body. Our students are from diverse backgrounds and circumstances, and, driven by our educational mission, we continue to holistically support them on their college journeys. We are grateful for the continued leadership and guidance of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Attorney General Campbell in those efforts.” 



Rob McCarron, President, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts:



“We thank Governor Healy and Attorney General Campbell for their leadership and unwavering support as the higher ed community continues to navigate a challenging federal landscape. A truly vibrant college or university campus must be welcoming for all. Our institutions remain firmly rooted in their missions of expanding access, creating opportunity, and fostering a genuine sense of belonging.”