Section:
Most recently amended by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education: June 26, 2012
(1) The school committee of each school district shall establish policies and procedures, and implement monitoring and evaluation practices that insure that all obstacles to equal access to school programs for all students regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, limited English-speaking ability or sexual orientation, are removed. Such policies shall include a requirement for an annual evaluation of all aspects of the K through 12 school program to insure that all students regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation are given an opportunity to participate in all programs offered by the school including athletics and other extra-curricular activities.
(2) All public schools shall strive to prevent harassment or discrimination based upon students' race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation, and all public schools shall respond promptly to such discrimination or harassment when they have knowledge of its occurrence.
(3) The school committee and the superintendent shall provide in-service training for all school personnel at least annually regarding the prevention of discrimination and harassment based upon race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin and sexual orientation, and the appropriate methods for responding to such discrimination and harassment in a school setting.
(4) The superintendent, as an agent of the school committee, shall promote and direct effective procedures for the full implementation of 603 CMR 26.00, and shall make recommendations to the school committee for the necessary policies, program changes, and budget resource allocations needed to achieve adherence to 603 CMR 26.00.
(5) The superintendent of each school system shall require employers who recruit new employees in and through the schools of that district to sign a statement that the employer complies with applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination in hiring or employment practices.
(6) Adults serving on athletic regulatory boards shall fairly represent the interest of all students regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.
(7) Any contributions to a school for activities and monetary awards within or sponsored by the school or for scholarships administered by the school by any person, group or organization shall be free from any restrictions based upon race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation. Schools may post or print information regarding private restricted scholarships as long as no preferential treatment is given to any particular scholarship offered and as long as the school does not endorse or recommend any such scholarship nor advise or suggest to a particular student that he or she apply for such a scholarship.
(8) The opportunity to receive guidance and counseling in a student's primary language should be made available to students from homes where English is not the primary language spoken.
Regulatory Authority: 603 CMR 26.00: M.G.L. c. 76, § 5.
Disclaimer: For an official copy of these regulations, please contact the State House Bookstore, at 617-727-2834 or visit Massachusetts State Bookstore.
Last Updated: July 12, 2012
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