Students and community organizations sue to desegregate Massachusetts schools

A lawsuit filed Wednesday in Massachusetts state court challenges the state’s school assignment policies, alleging they perpetuate racial segregation by confining Black and Latino students to under-resourced districts. The plaintiffs—nine students and four organizations from Springfield, Holyoke, Boston, Lawrence, Brockton, Lynn, and Worcester—argue that current rules, which assign students based on where they live, replicate housing segregation patterns. They claim this violates the state constitution’s guarantee of equal protection and an adequate education, as schools with higher concentrations of students of color show worse outcomes in graduation and college matriculation rates. The lawsuit cites a 2024 state advisory council report finding that 63% of Massachusetts schools are segregated or intensely segregated, while the state education department has failed to address the issue. Plaintiffs argue the state’s voluntary programs, such as regional vocational schools and inter-district transfers, are limited by opt-outs and small scale, blocking equal access for students of color. The case, filed by Lawyers for Civil Rights and Brown’s Promise, does not seek mandatory integration but demands evidence-backed investments in under-resourced schools and expanded regional magnet programs. Massachusetts officials responded that the state lacks authority to alter school district boundaries or force cross-district enrollment. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education stated it has invested in reducing graduation gaps and seeks further funding for high-poverty districts. A spokesperson noted Massachusetts leads the nation in student achievement but emphasized the need to strengthen its education system for all students. Jillian Lenson, senior attorney at Lawyers for Civil Rights, argued that disparities stem from systemic conditions maintained by the state, not student potential. GeDá Jones Herbert, chief legal counsel at Brown’s Promise, said the lawsuit aims to compel the state to adopt proven strategies like regional magnet programs to create equitable opportunities. The case highlights ongoing challenges in addressing school segregation decades after federal integration efforts peaked.