CARE Act

Act to Promote Racially Inclusive Curriculum in Schools - H.542 - S.288

  • Establishes a Commission to develop anti-racist and social justice-focused curriculum for Massachusetts schools

  • The Commission would also advise the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on how to increase, support, and retain educators and counselors of color

An Act To Promote Racially Inclusive Curriculum in Schools would ensure that instruction in K-12 education shall include the teaching of accurate histories, writings, and contributions of racial and ethnic groups that have been historically underrepresented or marginalized. Additionally, the bill would establish a Trust Fund to support school districts with necessary resources to implement these standards.

What This Bill Would Do: In 2021, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provided guidance and recommended resources to reflect the importance of race, racism, and culturally inclusive teaching. This bill establishes academic standards in DESE’s curriculum frameworks that incorporate the study of histories and narratives of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups into instruction in all public schools. A separate trust fund will be established to provide grant-based support for school districts to implement such curriculum.

Why This Bill Matters: In a multicultural and multiethnic society, it is vital that students receive an education that includes accurate histories, stories, and perspectives of all people. Our currently divided democracy would benefit if future generations gain a comprehensive and accurate education that includes the teaching of writings, contributions, and cultural heritage of historically marginalized groups, as well as the study of policies and practices, and social and economic impacts on these groups and society. Students will learn to understand the experiences of others, see their own identities and experiences reflected, treat others with empathy and respect, and build stronger connections. Additionally, an accurate teaching of our nation’s history will bolster our state’s efforts to attract and retain educators from underrepresented backgrounds. Future generations will be more equipped with the skills and understanding needed to be productive in the workplace and to participate as residents in our culturally rich Commonwealth and as global citizens

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the decision makers

Joint Committee on Education

Who on committee has co-sponsored:

state senators:

Jason Lewisred x
Jason Lewis (D)
Winchester

chair

Sal DiDomenicogreen check
Sal DiDomenico (D)
Everett

chair

Patricia Jehlengreen check
Patricia Jehlen (D)
Somerville
Patrick O'Connorred x
Patrick O'Connor (R)
Weymouth
Robyn Kennedyred x
Robyn Kennedy (D)
Worcester
Rebecca Rauschgreen check
Rebecca Rausch (D)
Needham

state representatives:

Denise Garlickred x
Denise Garlick (D)
Needham

chair

Steven Ultrinogreen check
Steven Ultrino (D)
Malden

chair

Vanna Howardgreen check
Vanna Howard (D)
Smitty Pignatellired x
Smitty Pignatelli (D)
Lee
Kate Donaghuered x
Kate Donaghue (D)
Westborough
Andres Vargasred x
Andres Vargas (D)
Haverhill
Dan Senagreen check
Dan Sena (D)
Christopher Worrellred x
Christopher Worrell (D)
Boston
Joseph McGonaglered x
Joseph McGonagle (D)
Everett
Kimberly Fergusonred x
Kimberly Ferguson (R)
Holden
Kelly Peasered x
Kelly Pease (R)

Who has co-sponsored:

History of the bill

2025

Feb 2024

Reporting date extended to March 15, 2024

Jun 2024

Reported favorably and referred to the House Ways and Means and Senate Ways and Means committees

Jun 2024

Accompanied new drafts; S.2709 and H.4519

2024

Oct 2023

Hearing held by the Joint Committee on Education

Jan 2023

No further action taken by House Ways & Means

Feb 2023

Referred to the Joint Committee on Education

2023

Mar 2022

Consolidated away with several other bills; Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means without any actual content of CARE included

2022

Sep 2021

Hearing held by the Joint Committee on Education

Mar 2021

Referred to the House Committee on Education

Mar 2021

Bill filed

2021

Advocacy Organizations

CARE Coalition