Bill > H1437

This bill requires Massachusetts institutions of higher education to establish clear policies regarding academic transcript notations for sexual misconduct cases. The bill mandates that when a student is under investigation for a crime of violence related to sexual misconduct, a temporary notation will be added to their academic transcript indicating the pending disciplinary proceedings. Upon resolution of the proceedings, a permanent notation will be added specifying the violation and the outcome (suspension, expulsion, dismissal, or withdrawal during investigation). The bill defines key terms like "consent" as an affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to sexual activity, and requires institutions to develop these policies in coordination with their Title IX Coordinator. Importantly, if a student is found not to have violated the institution's sexual misconduct standards, all related transcript notations must be removed. Institutions must also notify students about these potential transcript notations and provide a procedure for notation removal. Annually, each institution must report the number of transcript notations to the Department of Higher Education, which will then publish an aggregate report analyzing the data. The bill applies to sexual misconduct allegedly committed on campus, off campus, or while studying abroad, aiming to create transparency and accountability in how educational institutions handle sexual misconduct cases.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1437