WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 373

An Act enhancing learning in the early school years through a ban on school exclusion in pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Gómez

Massachusetts bill bans student suspensions and expulsions in pre-K through 3rd grade to prevent early educational disruption and reduce disparate impact on vulnerable students.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 373

Legislative bill overview

S 373 would prohibit schools in Massachusetts from excluding students (suspending or expelling them) during pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade. The bill aims to keep young students in classrooms during critical early learning years, with the assumption that removing them disrupts educational development and can have lasting negative effects.

Why is this important

Early exclusion disproportionately affects students with disabilities and students of color, contributing to long-term achievement gaps and school disengagement. Research suggests that in-school interventions during these foundational years are more effective than removal, but implementation requires adequate resources and teacher training to manage challenging behaviors while keeping students present.

Potential points of contention

  • Teacher safety and classroom management: Opponents argue that banning exclusion removes a critical tool for managing severe disruptive or dangerous behavior, potentially compromising classroom safety and teacher ability to teach other students
  • Resource requirements: The bill doesn't explicitly fund alternative interventions (counseling, behavioral support staff, smaller class sizes) that would be necessary to manage excluded behaviors in-classroom, raising questions about implementation costs
  • Parental choice and alternative approaches: Some argue the blanket ban limits flexibility for individual cases where parents might prefer temporary removal or alternative placements, and doesn't allow for nuanced responses to different behavioral situations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.