Governor Healey and Attorney General Campbell Issue Joint Guidance Affirming Commitment to Equal Access to Education in Massachusetts

Governor Healey and Attorney General Campbell Issue Joint Guidance Affirming Commitment to Equal Access to Education in Massachusetts

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell released updated joint guidance to support higher education and K-12 institutions in Massachusetts in ensuring equal access and representation in education, following recent Executive Orders by President Trump and a U.S. Department of Education “Dear Colleague” letter dated February 14, 2025.

The guidance emphasizes that Massachusetts educational institutions should continue fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The legal precedent allows steps to build student bodies diverse across geography, socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Governor Healey and AG Campbell affirm that federal executive orders or letters cannot change this precedent and stress the historical and systemic racism's impact on educational access.

“Attorney General Campbell and I are issuing this guidance to affirm Massachusetts' values,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Diversity is our strength, especially in education. We will support our schools, colleges, and universities to ensure all students are included.”

A copy of today’s guidance is available here.