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Bill

S 2955

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Barrett and 8 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill restricts suspensions/expulsions for dress code and grooming violations, redirecting discipline to non-exclusionary alternatives to reduce disproportionate impact on marginalized students.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 2955

Legislative bill overview

S 2955 restricts schools from using exclusionary discipline (suspension or expulsion) as punishment for violations of grooming and dress code policies. The bill aims to reduce out-of-school suspensions and expulsions for subjective appearance-based infractions, allowing schools to use alternative disciplinary measures instead.

Why is this important

Exclusionary discipline for dress code violations disproportionately affects certain student populations, particularly students of color and LGBTQ+ students, and removes them from classrooms where they learn. Research suggests these suspensions contribute to academic disengagement and the school-to-prison pipeline without meaningfully improving school safety or behavior.

Potential points of contention

  • School authority concerns: Schools may argue they need suspension authority to maintain dress codes they believe are necessary for safety, professionalism, or minimizing classroom disruption
  • Definition disputes: "Grooming and dress code violations" are subjective; the bill's lack of specific definitions could create implementation challenges and inconsistent enforcement across districts
  • Alternative discipline burden: Schools may lack resources or training to implement effective non-exclusionary alternatives, potentially leaving administrators without meaningful enforcement tools

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

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