Governor Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued joint guidance today to support Massachusetts’ higher education and K-12 institutions in their work to further equal access and representation in education. This guidance comes in response to the U.S. Attorney General’s July 29, 2025 “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination” that purports to help entities comply with federal antidiscrimination laws, as well as in response to a federal district court striking down the U.S. Department of Education’s February 14, 2025 “Dear Colleague” letter that targeted diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility policies and programming and the requirement that school districts certify compliance with their definition of antidiscrimination to continue receiving federal financial assistance. The guidance clarifies the legal landscape for campuses and schools as court precedent is evolving and attacks by the federal government continue on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
“Massachusetts has the best public schools in the country, and that’s in large part due to the fact that we know that diversity is a strength, not a flaw,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As students head back to school this year, we want them to know that, in Massachusetts, they are all welcome at school and will be supported by our incredible educators and staff. I want to thank Attorney General Campbell for her partnership and her leadership in standing up against the Trump Administration’s illegal actions. Massachusetts will continue to stay true to who we are and what we know works.”