The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Office of the Attorney General
ONE ASHBURTON PLACE
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108
	(617) 727-2200
	(617) 727-4765 TTY
	www.mass.gov/ago

Executive Summary
Sample Civil Rights Policy – “Promoting Civil Rights and Prohibiting Harassment, Bullying, Discrimination, and Hate Crimes"
This "Sample Policy" is part of the ongoing efforts of the Attorney General to provide Massachusetts schools with guidance on developing an effective civil rights policy that comprehensively addresses harassment, discrimination, retaliation, repeated bullying behavior and hate crimes in its schools and school-related activities. The Attorney General's Office developed the Sample Policy in consultation with the Massachusetts Associations of School Committees and School Superintendents, along with other key education stakeholders, educators and civil rights experts. The Sample Policy articulates a commitment to take prompt, effective action to protect all members of a school community, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation or disability. Adopting it will promote educational equity and school safety.  We strongly encourage School Districts to designate a trained staff member to serve as the District's Equity Coordinator to provide expert guidance to school officials investigating and resolving civil rights reports and complaints, and monitor and oversee the District's overall success in implementing the Policy.
We strongly recommend that Districts consider adopting the Sample Policy and adapting it to their local circumstances.  Adopting the Policy may impose obligations on your District in addition to what is legally required, so your District should only adopt the Policy voluntarily, after review by legal counsel. We remind School Districts that all student discipline, even when administered consistent with the Sample Policy, must comply with the school's student handbook and district's code of conduct. The Sample Policy does not encompass all of a School District's legal obligations regarding conduct that might be considered a civil rights violation, including, for example, their obligations under the Massachusetts Equal Educational Opportunities Regulations, 603 CMR 26.00. It also does not cover a District's obligations regarding hazing under M.G.L. Chapter 269, section 19. District officials should also determine whether any provision requires bargaining under its collective bargaining agreements.
This Sample Policy provides an investigation and complaint procedure recommended for use by districts when there is an allegation of harassment, discrimination, bullying and/or hate crimes, as those terms are defined in the Sample Policy. It provides step-by-step guidance for investigating and resolving complaints or reports of prohibited conduct. It defines key terms, including the various forms of harassment, while providing many examples of prohibited conduct. It identifies designated officials responsible for investigating and addressing reports and complaints of potential policy violations. It establishes both formal and informal complaint resolution procedures and provides disciplinary and corrective action options when complaints against school community members are substantiated. The Sample Policy requires training of all staff and students, making the Policy accessible to school community members and annual reporting to inform the school community about the District's success in achieving the Policy's goals. It also promotes collaborative relationships and communication with local law enforcement officials.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Attorney General's staff for further information and training opportunities related to adopting and implementing a comprehensive civil rights policy.