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Bill

S 353

An Act to prevent discrimination in interscholastic athletic and extracurricular activities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ryan Fattman and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill prohibits discrimination in school athletics and extracurricular activities, requiring non-discriminatory participation policies across interscholastic programs.

Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2
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Bill Summary · S 353

Legislative bill overview

S 353 prohibits discrimination in interscholastic athletic and extracurricular activities in Massachusetts schools. The bill establishes protections for student participation based on specified characteristics, requiring schools to adopt non-discriminatory policies for athletic team placement and activity enrollment.

Why is this important

Interscholastic sports and extracurricular activities significantly impact student development, college admissions, and social belonging. This legislation addresses how schools make decisions about student participation, which affects thousands of Massachusetts students and establishes baseline fairness standards across school districts.

Potential points of contention

  • Protected class definitions: The bill's specific language on which characteristics receive protection will determine scope; debates likely center on whether certain characteristics are included or excluded
  • Implementation standards: Disagreement over whether the bill provides clear, enforceable guidelines versus vague requirements that burden schools with interpretation
  • Competitive fairness considerations: Arguments about balancing non-discrimination principles with existing competitive structures, particularly regarding athletic team organization

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

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