An Act to reduce exclusionary discipline for violations of rules related to student grooming and dress H576/S368 | Fact Sheet

Tuesday, July 8th Hearing

Prohibits school district and charter school employees from suspending or expelling students solely on the basis of a violation of dress or grooming rules
Requires that any school rules related to student dress or grooming have clear, specific and objective definitions and do not treat students differently or have a disparate impact on the basis of a student’s race, national origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Requires school grooming and dress code rules to make no distinction or restriction on account of students’ sex or gender identity
Ensures that school dress code or grooming rules are not enforced through direct physical contact with students.

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 H731/S380”
- 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.