2023 Legislative Briefing at the Massachusetts State House

On March 7, 2023, high school students from TLPI’s Students Speak project participated in a legislative briefing, Students Speak: Rebuilding Community in our Schools, at the Massachusetts State House.

Ten students provided testimony at the briefing and during visits with their legislative delegations to help legislators better understand what students need in order to do well in school, specifically as they continue to recover from the disruptions in their education as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students spoke eloquently about the urgency for schools to focus on rebuilding a sense of community and fostering positive student-teacher relationships, as well as about the critical need for schools to include students in discussions about how to address the barriers that students are experiencing as they try to re-engage in learning.

The students advocated for the Legislature to continue funding the Massachusetts Safe and Supportive Schools initiative and to prioritize student voice in educational decision-making. The legislators found the students’ testimony compelling, and the state’s FY 24 budget now includes increased funding for the Safe and Supportive Schools Line Item.

Watch the Event at the Massachusetts Legislature Website

Visit each student’s page below to read his or her testimony in full and to see video clips from the legislative briefing.

Adam

It‘s important to feel safe in a place that you learn; to know that you are protected when you’re in this environment for almost your entire teenage life. Visit Adam’s Landing Page

Alex

The administration should listen to students and teachers. Read Alex’s Statement

April

Supporting relationships, self-regulation, and well-being is the way to reduce fights and create safe schools. Read April’s Statement

Careliz

If we have gender neutral bathrooms, students will feel safer to express their gender identity. Read Careliz’s Statement

Chloe

Just because schools “listen” to students doesn’t mean they will really “hear” them. Visit Chloe’s Landing Page

Ethan

After the last two years, getting thrown into high school really feels like we are in a shaken up soda can that’s ready to explode. Visit Ethan’s Landing Page

Heba

Making positive change is a team effort. If students want to make something happen, it’s important to involve everyone. It requires all of us. Read Heba’s Statement

Jaliyah

It’s important for me to learn in an environment that prioritizes cultural diversity and inclusion. Read Jalyiah’s Statement

Jefferson

All students should have the ability and opportunity to develop positive relationships with their teachers. Read Jefferon’s Statement

Joshua

I want policymakers to ensure all students that don’t want to be self taught are able to take classes that are adequately staffed with the appropriate teachers. Read Joshua’s Statement

Justice

One of my biggest passions in life is helping people feel included and valued. Read Justice’s Statement

Kaitlyn

When I am stressed and cannot focus in class, it impacts my learning. Read Kaitlyn’s Statement

Marielys

Substitutes should be people who are fit for a given class so they can teach what they know. If not, students will struggle and their grades will go down. Read Marielys’ Statement

Neishaly

Upping security doesn’t help us feel safer, it scares kids. Read Neishaly’s Statement

Nelly

We get a lot of education about racist slurs, but nothing about homophobic or transphobic slurs. Read Nelly’s Statement

Richard

I think that the authority in general in schools has to change. Read Richard’s Statement

Additional Photos of Students at the State House 

Ethan, Nelly and Adam celebrate at the State House after testifying.
Justice reads his statement at the State House

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These high school students were among those who visited the Massachusetts State House to share their testimony about the importance of student voice in educational decision-making. The day included a legislative briefing that featured the students, visits with the students’ state Representatives and Senators, along with tours of the State House including the House and Senate chambers

Watch Video Highlights of Student Testimony

Watch a selection of highlights from student testimony at the Massachussetts State House. Students spoke to legislators on a variety of issues that they feel would make them feel safer at school.

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2022 Legislative Briefing

On March 9, 2022, secondary school students presented a legislative briefing on Zoom to the members of the Massachusetts legislature. Students testified in support of a funding increase for the state budget line item that funds Safe and Supportive Schools.

LEARN MORE

Legislative Briefing 2020

On February 25, 2020, 12 Massachusetts high school students testified at the first Students Speak Legislative Briefing. Students spoke at the Massachusetts State House about what they need in order to do well in school. The students advocated for the Legislature to continue funding the Massachusetts Safe and Supportive Schools initiative and to prioritize student voice in educational decision making.

Read about the 2020 Legislative Briefing

The first Legislative Briefing by students at the Massachusetts State was held in February 2020 prior to the pandemic. Learn More…

Students with Legislators at the State House March 2023

Three Students meet with their State Legislators

Students pose with Legislators after testifying.