Bill > H605

This bill establishes a special commission to study and recommend ways to improve anti-slavery education in Massachusetts schools. The commission would require every school district to include a curriculum unit on slavery history using the Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Framework, with goals to promote understanding of racism, highlight the inhumanity of slavery, address how national and ethnic hatred can lead to devastating consequences, and reaffirm a commitment to preventing future genocides. The commission would be composed of diverse representatives, including the commissioner of elementary and secondary education (who would chair the commission), two senators, two representatives, two gubernatorial appointees (one with anti-slavery education experience), and two attorney general appointees (one with education law experience). The commission must hold its first meeting by June 1, 2025, and submit a comprehensive report with legislative recommendations by November 30, 2025, to various legislative bodies and committees. The broader aim is to ensure students learn about historical and ongoing human rights violations and develop a deeper understanding of social injustice.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H605