LYNN — Lynn Public Schools will be continuing its hate crime prevention program, Restorative Justice Circle Training, for 40 staff members in Fiscal Year 26.
Restorative Justice Circle Training is a program that “centers the needs of victims and survivors and encourages both a meaningful acceptance of responsibility and a commitment to repair harm on the part of offenders,” according to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
LPS began this work for FY25 by educating hall monitors, vice principals, elementary program specialists, and elementary principals. The program will continue thanks to a $25,000 Hate Crime Prevention grant from the Healey-Driscroll Administration.
These grants support programs that promote awareness and understanding in order to prevent incidents of bias-motivated conduct. They also support collaboration between LPS and local organizations that have expertise in preventing hate crimes, while improving policies, procedures, and protocols for reporting and responding to incidents of hate crime and bias.
The funding aligns with the joint guidance Attorney General Andrea Campbell and the Healey-Driscoll Administration released in 2024. This guidance is geared toward assisting schools in their efforts to combat hate and foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. LPS was one of the 38 Massachusetts school districts to receive a portion of the $1,014,500 in grant funding.
“LPS remains committed to providing a variety of initiatives to promote a culture of belonging, empathy, and safety, including education and training to students and staff around incidents of bias and hate,” said Superintendent Molly Cohen. “As a community, we have been working to build an environment of trust and psychological and emotional safety in our schools through a model of restorative practices. We are excited about the continuation of this grant.”
Gov. Maura Healey said, “We want to make sure that students know that in Massachusetts, they are all welcome at school and supported by our incredible educators and staff. The Hate Crimes Prevention grants provide our local schools with the resources and tools to prevent hate and create safe environments for students and their families.”
Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll said, “This funding supports educator training and community engagement to assist districts in creating safe, inclusive, and protected environments through building community partnership and engaging students.”
Education Secretary and former LPS superintendent Dr. Patrick Tutwiler said, “As a result of the funding, schools will work to improve school climate through programming and partnerships, and students will be empowered to build strong and supportive school communities and will learn concepts that will last beyond their K-12 education.”
