An Act addressing school exclusion policies to remedy disparities in educational achievement H.730/ S.376 | Fact Sheet

Tuesday, July 8th Hearing

Limits suspension of students based upon the issuance of a felony complaint unless the offense is a serious, violent felony
Allows a student facing exclusion based upon the issue of a court complaint to stay in school if they are in a DA diversion program (which is similar to the current law allowing students to stay in school if they participate in a judicial diversion program)
Defines a dangerous weapon for school expulsion purposes in the same manner as in other parts of our general laws an actual weapon (i.e., gun, knife). This is necessary as common objects such as items thrown in a food fight or those commonly found in school that are not actually dangerous weapons are often the subject of expulsion matters.
Treats marijuana as a suspendable offense like alcohol and tobacco rather than as an expellable as is the case with harder illegal drugs
Requires that an expulsion for assaulting a teacher or school staff member be based on a willful act done with an intent to harm rather than incidental contact (i.e., brushing past someone while walking away from a conflict) or accidental actions (i.e., a hug)

Date: Tuesday, July 8th @ 1pm
Link to sign up to testify here.
- Deadline to register: Monday, July 7th @ 1pm.
- Oral testimony is limited to two minutes per person.
In-person: State House, Room A-1
- Closest entrance: Bowdoin Street, and go up one floor
- From Beacon Street entrance: go to the 2nd floor, walk across the main hall of the State House and walk down the Grand Staircase (or take the elevator down to the 1st floor).
- The entrance will have staffers with paper sign ups for anyone interested in testifying in-person last minute.
Virtual: link will be emailed on a calendar invite after registration
Submit written testimony by:
- email to jointcommittee.education@malegislature.gov and emily.reynolds@masenate.gov
- Use subject line: “Education Committee Testimony in Support of H730/S376”
- Please cc your own state representative and state senator (find them here).
Deadline to submit written testimony: Tuesday, July 15th

Timing The first hour (maybe two hours) will most likely be taken up by elected officials who get called first. The order of bills will not be known ahead of time unfortunately.
Restrooms: Closest women and men’s public restrooms are located on either side of Room 136. All gender public restrooms located in the basement (one floor down) between rooms 26 and 27. Men’s is in room 14 and women’s is in room 44.
Food: Pack a snack or visit the 4th floor cafeteria for vending machine snacks or refrigerated meals.