Call on Lawmakers to Support Justice and Opportunity Across Massachusetts

 Across the Commonwealth, too many residents face barriers to accessing essential services, equitable education, and safe housing. These challenges disproportionately impact communities that have long been underserved, making it critical that we act now to advance policies that promote fairness, access, and opportunity for all.

Take Action

Several key bills this session would make meaningful progress toward a more just and equitable Massachusetts:

An Act relative to language access and inclusion H.3384/S.2125 would ensure that people with limited English proficiency can access critical government programs and resources that impact their safety, security, and well being, including healthcare, housing, and domestic violence services.

An Act to reduce exclusionary discipline for rules related to student grooming and dress H.576/S.368 would build on the passage of the CROWN Act by prohibiting schools from suspending or expelling students solely for dress code violations. These policies often disproportionately impact Black and brown girls and can reinforce harmful and discriminatory norms.

An Act allowing certain minors to consent to supportive services H.290/S.132 would expand access to shelter and supportive services for unaccompanied minors experiencing homelessness by allowing youth ages 15 and older to consent to services on their own. This change would help young people facing abuse, family conflict, or housing instability meet their basic needs and access support.

Together, these bills will help ensure equal access to government services, reduce harmful school discipline practices, and support youth experiencing homelessness on their path to safety and stability.

We have already started a message for you, click “Start Writing” above to add your own details and urge your legislators to co sponsor H.3384/S.2125, H.576/S.368, and H.290/S.132.

Taking action now can help build a stronger, more equitable Commonwealth for all.

Keep informed and stay involved
Stay tuned for more opportunities to take action and support Massachusetts families and youth by liking us on Facebook and following us on Instagram and LinkedIn. Check out our website for our most recent news.

To support our work, please consider giving a donation today.

Thank you for advancing social justice in Massachusetts!

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Keep Kids in Class and End Unfair Suspensions

Students depend on consistent access to classroom learning to succeed, yet too many are removed from school for dress and grooming rule violations. Lost instructional time, from early grades through high school, can have lasting negative impacts on academic achievement and long term outcomes. Disparities in discipline further deepen inequities. In Massachusetts, Black girls are three times more likely to be disciplined and five times more likely to receive an out of school suspension than their white peers. These disparities are often worsened by unclear policies that can be applied inconsistently or in discriminatory ways. A 2022 United States Government Accountability Office report found that about 90 percent of dress codes nationwide restrict clothing associated with girls, compared to 69 percent that restrict items associated with boys.

Take Action

Amendment #1389, filed as an outside section of the FY27 budget, would reduce the amount of time students miss in the classroom due to dress and grooming rule violations. It would ensure that students are not suspended solely for these violations and require that policies are clearly defined and fairly enforced to prevent discriminatory application. The amendment still allows schools to take appropriate action in cases involving bullying or harassment.

We have already started a message for you, click “Start Writing” above to add your own details and urge your State Representative to help ensure that the FY27 budget includes Amendment #1389.

Keeping students in the classroom is essential to their success and well being. Take one minute to speak up and support this important effort.

Keep informed and stay involved
Stay tuned for more opportunities to take action and support students and communities across Massachusetts by liking us on Facebook and following us on Instagram and LinkedIn. Check out our website for our most recent updates.

To support our work, please consider giving a donation today.

Thank you for advancing social justice in Massachusetts!

Want to stay informed on the latest issues Massachusetts Appleseed is working on?
Sign up for our mailing list.

Advance Equitable Access to State Services by Eliminating Language Barriers Across Agencies

State agencies play a vital role in helping people meet basic needs, from accessing unemployment benefits to avoiding eviction and navigating the child welfare system. However, nearly one in four Massachusetts residents speaks a language other than English at home, and most state services remain English only, creating significant barriers that prevent hundreds of thousands of families from accessing the support they need.
Take Action

An Act relative to language access and inclusion H.3384/S.2622 (filed by Representatives Madaro and González and Senator DiDomenico), would address this crisis by standardizing and enforcing language access policies and practices at select state agencies to ensure all residents have equal access to the services and information they need.

We have already started a message for you. Click “Start Writing” above to add your own details and urge your legislator to advocate with the Chairs of the Ways and Means Committee to report H.3384/S.2622 out favorably and send it to the floor for a vote.

Language access is essential to the safety, stability, and well-being of our communities. Take this one-minute action to urge your legislator to support this important piece of legislation!

Keep informed & stay involved!
Stay tuned for more opportunities to take action and support Massachusetts families and youth by liking us on Facebook and following us on Instagram and LinkedIn. Check out our website for our most recent news.

To support our work, please consider giving a donation today.

Thank you for advancing social justice in Massachusetts!

Want to stay informed on the latest issues Massachusetts Appleseed is working on?
Sign up for our mailing list.