- Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth
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Shaplaie Brooks, Executive Director
The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth is issuing this statement to reaffirm the Commonwealth's longstanding commitment to ensuring that every student can learn in an environment that is safe, welcoming, and free from discrimination. As public discussion surrounding the Rochester Memorial School has intensified, the Commission believes it is important to reaffirm the legal protections afforded to transgender and nonbinary students under Massachusetts law and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidance.
Chapter 76, Section 5 of the Massachusetts General Laws prohibits discrimination in public schools on the basis of gender identity. DESE has issued guidance to assist Massachusetts public schools in implementing these legal obligations and supporting safe and inclusive learning environments for all students. Consistent with this law and DESE guidance, Rochester Memorial School has responsibilities to provide an educational environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment and to ensure that students have access to safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environments, educational opportunities, and school facilities consistent with Massachusetts law.
These legal protections exist alongside schools' responsibility to provide safe, supportive learning environments for every student. Upholding the rights of transgender and nonbinary students does not prevent schools from responding to individual concerns about behavior, privacy, supervision, or student support. Schools can and should address those concerns through established procedures while continuing to uphold the rights, well-being, and dignity of all students.
The Commission is especially concerned about public messaging that persistently or intentionally misgenders a child, perpetuates stereotypes, or indirectly identifies a child. Even when a student is not named, repeated public descriptions can make that student recognizable within a small community. No child should become the focus of public rhetoric that demeans them or calls their identity, safety, or humanity into question.
The public discussion surrounding these matters has implications far beyond one school district. Transgender and nonbinary students across Massachusetts are listening. They are watching how adults, institutions, and public leaders speak about young people like them. Public discourse should reflect the values we hope to model for all students by affirming the dignity, humanity, and equal worth of every young person. Our words matter, and they help shape whether students experience school and their communities as places of safety, belonging, and respect.
The Commission recognizes that families may have questions about privacy, school procedures, and how state protections are implemented. Those questions deserve accurate information and thoughtful discussion. They should not be used to promote misinformation, misrepresent Massachusetts law, or advocate for policies that would be inconsistent with protections provided under Massachusetts law. Massachusetts schools routinely balance the rights and interests of students, families, and staff in a wide range of situations. Existing law and guidance provide a framework for addressing those questions while ensuring that students are not subjected to unlawful discrimination.
The Commission encourages school, district, and community leaders to:
- Reaffirm the district's commitment to protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of every student, including transgender and nonbinary students, as required under Massachusetts law.
- Protect the privacy and confidentiality of all students.
- Interrupt bullying, harassment, persistent or intentional misgendering, and dehumanizing rhetoric.
- Support school environments where all students have access to safe, respectful, and inclusive educational opportunities and school facilities consistent with Massachusetts law.
- Ensure that concerns about student behavior are addressed fairly, consistently, and without discrimination.
- Provide accurate information to families, staff, and community members about Massachusetts law and the protections it affords all students.
- Center the safety, dignity, and well-being of young people in all public communication.
The Commission also recognizes the dedication of educators, school counselors, administrators, school committee members, and support staff who work every day to create school communities where every student feels safe, respected, and able to learn.
The Commission recognizes that school leaders are often called upon to navigate complex and emotionally charged situations. We remain committed to supporting the Old Rochester Regional School District as it fulfills its responsibilities under Massachusetts law and works to ensure that every student is treated with dignity, protected from discrimination, and able to learn in a safe and welcoming environment.
The Commission stands ready to support the Old Rochester Regional School District, educators, families, and community organizations with guidance, resources, and accurate information about the rights and needs of LGBTQ+ young people.
Massachusetts has long recognized that creating schools where every student is safe, respected, and able to learn benefits all children, families, and communities. We all share a responsibility to foster learning environments grounded in dignity, respect, and belonging, where differences are met with understanding and every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
The Commission remains committed to working alongside educators, families, students, and communities to ensure that Massachusetts schools continue to be places where every young person is treated with dignity, protected from unlawful discrimination, and given the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Additional Information
To learn more about the legal protections and guidance referenced in this statement, please visit:
- Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Guidance for Massachusetts Public Schools Creating a Safe and Supportive School Environment
- Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth: Resources for Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and School Communities
About the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth
The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth is the first and only independent state agency of its kind in the United States. Established in 1992, the Commission identifies opportunities to improve policies, programs, and services affecting LGBTQ+ young people through research, advocacy, education, and cross-government collaboration. The Commission provides recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and state agencies to advance the health, safety, and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth throughout the Commonwealth.
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