Dear Shrewsbury Families,
Recently, I wrote to you with information and guidance related to our schools and immigration law, based on questions that were emerging due to news stories about actions taken at the federal level (see that message here). You likely have also seen recent news stories about other federal executive orders and communications related to the topics of “DEI” (diversity, equity, and inclusion), particularly with regard to “gender ideology” and “equity ideology” in United States public school districts.
As these have raised questions, I want to provide clarity regarding the role of the federal government in our public schools, and provide a reminder of our obligations under Massachusetts law and policy and our school district's policy. I will summarize them here, and I am also including detailed information with links at the bottom of this message for those who are interested. Please note:
1. The executive branch of the federal government has limited authority over local public school districts. State and local governments have authority regarding what curriculum is taught.
2. Massachusetts has multiple state laws and policies that ensure all students who live within a city or town have access to a public education that does not discriminate based on individual characteristics, including race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation.
3. Shrewsbury School Committee policy recognizes the rights of students to study controversial issues in an atmosphere free from bias and prejudice.
In summary, the recent executive orders at the federal level do not change our legal obligations under current federal law, state law, and district policy.
Beyond these laws and policies, our schools will continue to adhere to the mission and core values of our school district. Those core values state: “We honor each person’s individuality, celebrate our community’s diversity, and support school cultures of mutual acceptance and respect.” I am proud and grateful to be part of a community where our public schools work to provide all of our students with unconditional acceptance for who they are, where we strive to build a strong sense of belonging that is inclusive of the rich variety of human differences that our students, families, and colleagues represent. Our schools remain committed to providing an excellent education to all of our students in a respectful, safe, and supportive environment.
Respectfully,
Joe Sawyer
Superintendent of Schools
Additional detailed information:
- Federal government’s role in local public education: The federal government’s authority lies with ensuring that local school districts are following federal laws passed by Congress and regulations issued to implement them, such as those related to civil rights (such as Title IX, for example). For more information, see this Education Week article, which notes a) state and local governments, not the federal government, have authority where it comes to what curriculum is taught, and b) there is a process that prevents the federal executive branch from unilaterally removing funding from a local school district.
- Massachusetts state law and policy regarding educating and supporting all students: Our schools are obligated to follow Massachusetts state law and policy where it comes to educating and supporting all students who live in a city or town and attend its public schools. Please note:
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76, Section 5 requires that no student shall be excluded from or discriminated against in admission to a public school of any town, or in obtaining the advantages, privileges and courses of study of such public school on account of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.
Our schools are required to adhere to the Massachusetts state regulations on access to equal educational opportunity in 603 CMR 26.00 to ensure equal access to educational opportunities and prohibit discrimination in public schools.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s guidance on nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity applies the Massachusetts state law An Act Relative to Gender Identity (Chapter 199 of the Acts of 2011), which became effective on July 1, 2012, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity.
DESE’s Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students also provides a variety of resources “designed to help schools implement state laws impacting LGBTQ students, including the state's anti-bullying law, gender identity law, and student anti-discrimination law.”
- Shrewsbury School Committee policy on the rights of students to study controversial issues: We are obligated to provide an education to our students aligned with our local Shrewsbury School Committee policy on the rights of students to study controversial issues in an atmosphere free from bias and prejudice.