The AG’s Guidance on Schools’ Legal Obligations to Prevent and Address Hate and Bias Incidents describes schools’ obligations under Massachusetts’s anti-bullying and anti-discrimination laws; details required affirmative steps to help create a positive school climate and prevent hate and bias incidents from happening in the first place; and provides examples of best practices to implement educational programs, prevention initiatives, and remediation measures throughout the school community. The AG's Office also provides a directory of relevant training and other resources. Links to the AG’s Guidance and the list of resources can be found below.
In addition to the AG’s Guidance, the Governor’s Hate Crimes Task Force has focused on the issue of hate crimes in schools. Governor Baker re-established the Governor’s Task Force on Hate Crimes through executive order in 2017, appointing members with expertise in community advocacy, law enforcement, health care, law, government and education who represent a group diverse in gender, race, industry, region, age and education. In 2019, its 20 members issued guidance and recommendations to elementary and secondary schools geared toward preventing, reporting and raising awareness of bias-driven crimes.
The AG’s Office wants to ensure that all school officials have the information and tools that they need if a hate incident occurs occurs and to help prevent them from happening in the first place.
To report a school-based hate or bias incident, contact the Civil Rights Division online or by calling 617-963-2917.
