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Bill

H 587

An Act to require mandatory training on microaggressions and implicit bias for staff members teaching extracurricular activities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Homar Gomez

Requires staff supervising extracurriculars to complete DESE-developed training on microaggressions and implicit bias, with certificates, records, and possible funding penalties.

Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 587

Summary of H.587 / House Docket No. 1370

An Act to require mandatory training on microaggressions and implicit bias for staff members teaching extracurricular activities.

Purpose

To ensure that all staff members who teach or supervise extracurricular activities in Massachusetts educational settings are trained to recognize and address microaggressions and implicit bias. The aim is to foster inclusive and respectful environments for students participating in extracurricular activities.

Key Provisions

  • Definitions (Section 2)

    • Extracurricular Activities: Includes programs outside the regular curriculum (e.g., sports, music, clubs, performing arts, student leadership, etc.) offered by educational institutions.
    • Staff Members: Individuals employed or contracted by public or private schools in Massachusetts who oversee or assist in extracurricular activities.
    • Microaggressions: Subtle, often unintentional comments or actions perceived as offensive based on identity characteristics.
    • Implicit Bias: Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence actions and decisions contrary to conscious beliefs.

  • Training Requirement (Section 3)

    • Mandatory Training: All staff involved in teaching or supervising extracurricular activities must complete training on microaggressions and implicit bias. Training is to be part of onboarding and must be refreshed annually.
    • Training Program: DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) must develop the program, which should cover:
    • Overview of microaggressions and implicit bias
    • Impact on student experience and well-being
    • Practical strategies to address and mitigate microaggressions and implicit bias
    • Techniques for creating inclusive environments in extracurricular settings

  • Certification and Record-Keeping (Section 4)

    • Certification: Staff who complete training receive a certificate of completion issued by DESE.
    • Records: Educational institutions must maintain training completion records for each staff member for a minimum of three years.

  • Implementation and Oversight (Section 5)

    • DESE Oversight: DESE is responsible for implementing the training requirements and issuing guidelines, ensuring materials are accessible and available in both in-person and online formats.
    • Compliance and Enforcement: Institutions that fail to comply may face penalties, including withholding of state funding, as determined by DESE.

Who Is Affected

  • All staff members involved in teaching or supervising extracurricular activities at public and private educational institutions in Massachusetts.

Timeline and Procedural Details

  • Purpose and definitions established in the bill text.
  • Training to be completed on onboarding and updated annually.
  • DESE to develop and administer the training program and materials.
  • Certification and record-keeping obligations imposed on institutions (minimum 3-year retention).
  • Enforcement mechanism allowing penalties such as withholding state funds.
  • Status notes:
    • Introduced: February 27, 2025
    • Referred to the Education Committee: February 27, 2025
    • Senate concurrence indicated in actions later that day
    • Hearing scheduled: December 2, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, in Room A-2

Legislative Status

  • Bill: H.587 (House Docket No. 1370)
  • Related actions show a scheduled hearing in December 2025; ongoing consideration in the 2025-2026 session.

Potential Impacts

  • Administrative: Schools must implement onboarding and annual refresher training; DESE will provide a standardized program and maintain records.
  • Financial: Potential training development costs for DESE and institutions; penalties could involve withholding state funding for noncompliance.
  • Educational climate: Aims to reduce microaggressions and bias in extracurricular settings, promoting inclusive participation and student well-being.

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

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