MassEquality Responds to DESE Audit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –August 26, 2025
MassEquality Responds to DESE Audit
Worcester, MA: MassEquality is deeply concerned by the findings of the recent audit of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), which comes amid a clear and troubling rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in schools across every county in the Commonwealth.
The audit revealed that, in addition other issues impacting special education students, and DCF involved students, DESE failed to uphold its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth by:
- Did not send the required annual guidance to school leaders on how to foster safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ students.
- Failed to deliver a mandated presentation to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) focused on the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ youth.
- Did not follow through on requests from school districts for LGBTQ+ trainings through the Safe Schools Program (SSP).
These failures jeopardize the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to build safe and inclusive educational spaces, and risk leaving LGBTQ+ students without the support and protections they urgently need and deserve.
“The safety of all youth in the Commonwealth is paramount,” said Tanya Neslusan, Executive Director of MassEquality. “It is deeply troubling that DESE did not fulfill its commitments under the MOU. At a time when LGBTQ+ youth are under attack, both nationally and right here in Massachusetts, our schools must remain safe, affirming spaces. We call on DESE to take immediate steps to correct these failures and recommit to protecting LGBTQ+ students across the state.”