Hearing on Bill to Protect Immigrant Students and Students with Disabilities from Harmful Federal Policy Changes

Senator Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence) with advocates and families at the Joint Education Committee hearing on May 6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 6, 2025

Boston, Mass. – The Joint Education Committee heard testimony on An Act Relative to Affirming and Maintaining Equal Access to Public Education for All Children (H. 650, S. 436), on May 6.

State representative Leaders Frank Moran (D-Lawrence) and Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley) and Sen. Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence) along with Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett) filed the bill in response to threats at the national level to longstanding federal protections in education for students with disabilities and immigrant students. The bill seeks to affirm the Commonwealth’s commitment to maintaining access to public education for all students, regardless of disability or immigration status.

The right to public education for immigrant children without documents was established by the Supreme Court in the decision, Plyler v. Doe in 1982. Localities in other states, including Tennessee and Oklahoma have already tried to implement policies that clearly violate the Plyler decision. Although the attempts have been unsuccessful so far, coupled with the Supreme Court’s willingness to overturn established precedent, these attempts raise concerns that this federal right could ultimately be repealed. “Our state constitution guarantees the right to public education to all children in the Commonwealth and this bill is key to affirming that commitment.” Said State Representative Leader Frank Moran (D-Lawrence).

With the threatened demise of the federal Department of Education and dismantling of the federal Office for Civil Rights, this bill would also maintain essential federal protections students with disabilities who are also learning English, and ensure qualified school interpreters. The legislation also preserves federal provisions protecting students with disabilities from inequitable school exclusion for behaviors that result from their disability, while also ensuring the safety of other students and school personnel.

"Massachusetts must continue to be a leader and remain steadfast in our commitment to public education." Said Senator Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence) "This bill is critical to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed, and when they do, our entire Commonwealth benefits."

“Families call our helpline when their children are failing to learn. These same children, who have so much potential, thrive when schools address inequities. I shudder to think of an underclass of children unable to read and learn. We can prevent this from happening in Massachusetts.” Said Diana Santiago, Legal Director.

Contact: Aimee Sung, Communications Director: asung@massadvocates.org