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Parents and Advocates Seek Mandatory LGBTQIA+ Parent Advisory Councils in Districts (H.3980)
Summary
Supporters told the committee H.3980 would require districts to create LGBTQIA+ parent advisory councils to improve policy consistency and support for gender‑diverse students, citing inconsistent district practices and DESE audit findings.
BOSTON — Parents and advocates urged the Joint Committee on Education to require school districts to establish LGBTQIA+ parent advisory councils so families can have consistent input on policies that affect gender‑diverse students.
Amanda Letts described difficulties pushing for a gender‑identity support policy in her district and said parents of transgender and nonbinary children need a formal seat at the table (SEG 4686‑4716). Monica Lundberg and other witnesses cited a state auditor report that found DESE has not fully implemented promised guidance and training for districts on LGBTQ student issues, and argued PACKs (parent advisory councils for LGBTQ families) would institutionalize local support and access.
Committees asked witnesses to submit written materials and to clarify how PACKs would interact with existing advisory councils. The bill drew support from parents across districts who said current responses are inconsistent and sometimes slow, leaving families without timely assistance.
Next steps: committee closed testimony and will review submitted materials.
