
Jan 24, 2020: MATSOL submitted testimony to the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security in support of the Safe Communities Act H.3573 (Reps. Ruth Balser & Liz Miranda) and S.1401 (Sen. Eldridge).
The Safe Communities Act restores confidence in our public institutions by allowing our police and court officials to focus on public safety, providing clear guidance for their interactions with ICE, ensuring that in Massachusetts, no one has to live in fear, and everyone’s civil rights will be respected.
The passage of the Safe Communities Act is not just a public safety issue; it is also an educational issue. MATSOL urges legislators to support the Safe Communities Act in order to protect students and their families, and to allow our students in all educational contexts to pursue their educational goals. Most immigrant families include US citizens and people with varied immigration statuses, so the bill will have a far-reaching impact within our school communities. If we are serious about valuing every student, we need to show this by creating an environment in which every student can learn and thrive. The Safe Communities Act is vital to the success of Massachusetts students and the future of the Commonwealth.