Legislative Briefing 2022

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.

Students’ testimony focused on the difficulties of returning to school after the pandemic. They helped educate legislators about the importance of relationships and connection at school as a foundation for their learning. Students also emphasized how critical it is for them to have a voice in decision-making at their schools and that many students – especially students of color and those from other marginalized backgrounds – are not listened to by the adults in their schools.

The legislators listened to the students. In July 2022, the legislature passed a budget that included an additional $100,000 for Safe and Supportive Schools, as well as language requiring the state to hold an annual conference for educators that teaches them how to incorporate student voice in their schools.

Read the Student Statements

Adam

It made me feel comfortable enough to be who I truly am in that classroom. Read Adam’s Statement

Alexis

“SAFE” does not mean the same thing to the adults in our building that it does to our students. Read Alexis’ Statement

Amayra

Without motivation, there is no progress. Without progress, there is no learning. The purpose of school is to learn, so schools must learn to motivate their students. Read Amayra’s Statement

Chloe

A human is a human no matter who you are. Read Chloe’s Statement

Ethan

When teachers create a positive—emotionally safe classroom—I see that I learn best: this is the optimal learning environment for students. Read Ethan’s Statement

Jaydah

When teachers recognize the good work that you do, you bond with the teacher. It creates a community, which is something that was missing during the pandemic. Read Jaydah’s Statement

Jaylee

I think one thing you would hear over and over again is ‘it’s all about the relationships. Read Jaylee’s Statement

Juan

I have a dream that one day all students will look forward to going to school. Read Juan’s Statement

Melanie

Students must have a voice in deciding how to make things better. Read Melanie’s Statement

Oreoluwa

I wish we felt more listened to. How would you feel as a student if the school dismissed concerns about your safety? Read Oreoluwa’s Statement

Sean

With the voices of every student, regardless of who they are, we can create a new school community that is built for everyone. Read Sean’s Statement

Sophie

I wish all of my classmates had the same opportunities to form positive relationships with teachers. Read Sophie’s Statement

Taeyah

Educators should also learn coping skills to deal with one’s self or colleagues. Read Taeyah’s Statement

Theresa

“One way to make schools more safe and supportive is to make sure that teachers take time to learn about students’ experiences.” Read Theresa’s Statement

Trish

After spending so much time learning in isolation, schools should provide students with more opportunities to connect with each other in the classroom. Read Trish’s Statement

Valancia

School does not do enough to help students ease their stress or address what’s happening in their lives outside of school. Read Valancia’s Statement

Student Testimony Excerpts

In this video, you can view excerpts of students testifying before the Massachusetts legislature on the difficulties of returning to school after the pandemic, the importance of student voice, and the need to increase funding for Safe and Supportive Schools

An Educator’s Perspective: Principal Dawn Lewis

In this video, you can watch retired Boston Public Schools Principal Dawn Lewis respond to the testimony offered by the students. She highlights aspects of their testimony that particularly impacted her and shares her admiration for these student activists.

Legislative Briefing 2023

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. Students testified about the disruptions in their education as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgency for schools to focus on rebuilding a sense of community and fostering positive student-teacher relationships.

Read about the 2023 Legislative Briefing

The most recent Legislative Briefing by students at the Massachusetts State was held in March 2023. 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…