Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students

The Safe Schools Program for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning (LGBTQ) Students is a joint initiative between the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth. Founded in 1993 in response to concerns about LGBTQ youth suicides and other risk factors, the program now offers a range of services designed to help schools implement state laws impacting LGBTQ students, including the state's anti-bullying law, gender identity law, and student anti-discrimination law.

The Safe Schools Program also manages the Massachusetts Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Student Leadership Council.

Training and Technical Assistance

The Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students informs policy and provides training, technical assistance, and professional development to school administrators and staff on topics related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and school climate.

Requests for trainings and technical assistance can be submitted online, Submit a Request.

Curricular Resources

The Regulations for the Massachusetts Student Rights Law (MGL Ch. 76, Sec. 5) state that "all public school systems shall, through their curricula, encourage respect for the human and civil rights of all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation."

These resources will help students value the contributions of LGBTQ people and understand their place in history, literature, and other fields.

DESE Model Curriculum Units — Defending Democracy at Home: Advancing Constitutional Rights, Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) Same-Sex Marriage (Grades 11–12)

Inclusive Curriculum Materials — available from the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth and covering a variety of subjects in social studies and language arts

Important LGBTQ Resources

• 2021-2022 Commissioner letter to district and school leaders about the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students

• Part I, Title XII, Chapter 76, Section 5

• DESE Regulations: Access to Equal Educational Opportunity

• Principles for Ensuring Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for LGBTQ Students

• Guidance on Supporting Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Students

• Guidance on Parental Notification for Bullying Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

• Title IX

• Additional information on Massachusetts Laws and Policies

• LGBTQ Resources

• LGBTQ Youth Resource Map

Contact Information

Email: Safeschoolsprogram@doe.mass.edu

Phone: 617-447-4730

Last Updated: September 11, 2023