State Audit: MA Education Department Failed to Protect LGBTQ+ Students

A comprehensive audit by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio has revealed that Massachusetts' Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) systematically violated agreements designed to protect LGBTQ+ students, putting vulnerable youth at increased risk in schools statewide.

The audit, examining the period from July 2021 through July 2023, found that DESE breached its agreement with the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ+ Youth by failing to fulfill critical communication requirements with school districts.

Most significantly, the audit reports that the department failed to issue a mandated annual communication with school leaders specifically aimed at creating safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ students. This communication was designed to ensure districts understood their obligations to protect LGBTQ+ youth from discrimination and harassment.

According to the audit findings, these failures have "[reduced] the effectiveness of efforts to create safe and supportive school environments and increase the risk that LGBTQ+ students do not receive adequate protections and support."

The report also revealed broader systemic problems with DESE's oversight of educator misconduct. The audit found that "individuals who pose a risk to student safety could remain in classrooms or educational settings without appropriate review or disciplinary action" due to inadequate investigation procedures.

For LGBTQ+ students, who already face disproportionate rates of bullying and harassment in schools, these oversight failures represent a particularly serious threat to their safety and well-being.

The audit comes at a time when LGBTQ+ youth nationwide are facing increasing challenges in educational settings, making effective state oversight and protection mechanisms more crucial than ever.

Despite the concerning findings, there are signs of potential improvement ahead.

The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ+ Youth has indicated its willingness to work with DESE to address these deficiencies.

The commission's executive director, Shaplaie Brooks, expressed hope for future collaboration, stating her agency remains "committed to continuing our collaboration with DESE" and hopeful about "their commitment to ensure that all students across the Commonwealth have access to inclusive and intersectional education that is accurate and equitable."

The audit underscores the critical importance of state accountability in protecting LGBTQ+ students and ensuring schools provide truly safe, supportive learning environments for all students.