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S 940

An Act promoting an adjunct bill of rights

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Barrett and 11 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill establishing employment protections and minimum standards for part-time adjunct faculty at higher education institutions statewide.

Accompanied a new draft, see S2880
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Bill Summary · S 940

Legislative bill overview

S 940 proposes establishing a "bill of rights" for adjunct faculty members in Massachusetts higher education institutions. The bill aims to create minimum standards and protections for part-time instructors who currently lack many employment protections afforded to full-time faculty. This legislation would standardize working conditions, compensation, and job security measures across public and private colleges and universities in the state.

Why is this important

Adjuncts make up a substantial portion of college teaching staff but typically earn significantly less, receive no benefits, lack job security, and have minimal input in institutional governance. These working conditions affect educational quality, student outcomes, and the economic stability of thousands of Massachusetts workers. The bill addresses a growing workforce equity issue that has drawn national attention as higher education increasingly relies on contingent labor.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to institutions: Colleges and universities may argue that expanded adjunct protections increase operational costs, potentially affecting tuition, financial aid, or full-time faculty budgets
  • Defining "rights" scope: Disagreement likely exists over which specific protections should be included—compensation floors, benefits eligibility, contract length guarantees, or shared governance participation
  • Implementation burden: Questions about enforcement mechanisms, compliance monitoring, and whether requirements apply equally to public institutions versus private colleges receiving state funding

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

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