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SD 997

An Act to reduce exclusionary discipline for grooming and dress code violations

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Barrett and 5 co-sponsors

The bill limits suspensions for dress/grooming violations and requires non-discriminatory, clear rules that cannot enforce dress practices through undressing or physical contact.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 997

Summary: SD 997 — An Act to reduce exclusionary discipline for grooming and dress code violations

Purpose and intent

This bill seeks to limit exclusionary discipline tied to grooming and dress code rules in Massachusetts public schools (districts and charter schools). It envisions a framework where dress/grooming policies comply with civil rights protections, reduce suspensions specifically for dress/grooming issues, and guide districts toward clear, non-discriminatory practices. The bill emphasizes student rights and safe, non-punitive approaches to dress/grooming concerns, while allowing limited color-specific requirements to support school operations.

Key provisions

Section 1 — Dress/grooming rules and protections

  • Adds new subsection (h) to Section 37H of Chapter 71.
  • Requires school district/charter school dress/grooming rules to:
    • Not discriminate or restrict on the basis of sex or gender identity.
    • Not have disparate impact based on race, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
    • Be clear, specific, and objective in defining terms.
    • Prohibit enforcement by direct physical contact with a student or the student’s attire.
    • Prohibit requiring a student to undress in front of others to comply with dress/grooming rules.
  • Explicitly preserves students’ rights under other laws (e.g., freedom of expression).

Section 2 — Suspension prohibition for dress/grooming violations

  • Adds language to Section 37H ¾ (a) clarifying that, in addition to other rights, a school district/charter school may not suspend a student solely for an alleged dress/grooming violation.
  • Allows limited color-specific clothing requirements.
  • Affirms that actions to prevent bullying or harassment based on protected characteristics are still permitted.

Section 3 — Effective date

  • The changes take effect 60 days after passage of the act.

Section 4 — Department rulemaking

  • The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) must adopt and adapt rules, regulations, policies, and trainings as needed to implement the act’s provisions.

Affected parties

  • Students: Enhanced protections against disciplinary actions for dress/grooming violations; retained rights to express themselves.
  • School districts and charter schools: Must adjust codes of conduct to meet the new non-discrimination, clarity, and non-enforcement-by-undressing requirements; may face suspensions only under limited circumstances.
  • School staff: Prohibited from enforcing dress/grooming rules through direct physical contact or undressing; guided by updated standards and training.
  • DESE: Responsible for rulemaking, policy formulation, and training to implement the act.

Timeline and status

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Legislative actions: Referred to the Committee on Education (2025-02-27); House concurred (status indicates House concurrence on the measure).
  • Effective date: 60 days after passage.
  • Next steps: DESE rulemaking and guidance to implement the provisions.

Notes

  • The bill references a similar matter previously filed in 2023-2024 (Senate No. 290).
  • While it restricts suspensions for dress/grooming violations, it does not bar districts from addressing bullying or harassment that targets protected characteristics.

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

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