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HD 1370

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 all MA staff supervising extracurriculars to complete annual DESE-developed training on microaggressions and implicit bias, with certification and 3-year record-keeping.

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Bill Summary · HD 1370

Summary: An Act to require mandatory training on microaggressions and implicit bias for staff members teaching extracurricular activities (HD 1370)

Purpose

This bill would require all staff members who teach or supervise extracurricular activities in Massachusetts schools (public or private) to complete mandatory training on microaggressions and implicit bias. The goal is to foster inclusive, respectful environments for students participating in activities outside the standard curriculum.

Key Provisions

  • Definitions (Section 2)

    • Extracurricular Activities: Any educational program or activity offered outside the regular curriculum (e.g., sports, music, clubs, performing arts, student leadership, and other enrichment activities).
    • Staff Members: Individuals employed or contracted by educational institutions in Massachusetts who oversee or assist with extracurricular activities.
    • Microaggressions: Subtle, often unintentional actions or comments perceived as offensive based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other identity characteristics.
    • Implicit Bias: Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence actions or decisions, potentially diverging from conscious beliefs.

  • Training Requirement (Section 3)

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

  • Certification & Record Keeping (Section 4)

    • Certification: Staff receive a DESE-issued certificate of completion upon finishing the training.
    • Records: Educational institutions must maintain training records for each staff member for at least three years.

  • Implementation & Oversight (Section 5)

    • DESE Oversight: DESE will implement the requirements, provide guidelines, and ensure training materials are accessible in both in-person and online formats.
    • Compliance & Enforcement: Institutions that fail to comply may face penalties, including withholding of state funding, as determined by DESE.

Who Is Affected

  • Staff members teaching or supervising extracurricular activities in Massachusetts public and private schools.
  • Educational institutions (schools, districts, private providers) that offer extracurricular programming.
  • DESE as the administering and enforcing agency.

Timeline & Status

  • The bill text indicates initial filing on January 14, 2025, with DESE developing and administering the program. The document does not specify a precise effective date; training is to occur upon onboarding and be refreshed annually.
  • Status: The provided material identifies it as a proposed bill in the 2025-2026 session (House Docket No. 1370). The user’s note of a different “Introduced” date appears inconsistent with the bill text.

Potential Impact

  • Positive: Promotes awareness of microaggressions and implicit bias, contributing to safer, more inclusive extracurricular spaces and improved student well-being.
  • Administrative: New onboarding and annual training requirements; certification and three-year record-keeping obligations for schools.
  • Enforcement: Possible penalties and loss of state funding for noncompliance, at DESE’s discretion.

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

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