# Education on October 20, 2026

The Boston City Council Committee on Education held a hearing on October 20, 2026, on docket 0407, sponsored by Councilor Julia Mejia, regarding Boston Public Schools’ prevention of and response to bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual misconduct. Parents and advocates described alleged failures to report and investigate incidents, gaps in communication and student support, and concerns about transparency, retaliation, disability accommodations, and access to records. Youth speakers emphasized anonymous reporting options, protection from retaliation, more trained mental-health support, and taking student reports seriously. BPS administrators outlined bullying-response procedures and Title IX, code-of-conduct, and police-consultation processes, acknowledged shortcomings in communicating with families, and said the district is updating its code of conduct and will consider feedback.

Councilors pressed for clearer data and accountability, including information about sexual-misconduct cases and the written understanding governing BPS–Boston Police coordination. The chair said docket 0407 would remain in committee and called for follow-up working sessions and a concrete work plan, potentially including a crisis action team and transparent oversight developed with students, families, educators, and advocates. No procurement decisions, contract awards, spending motions, or specific funding allocations were identified; participants did raise concerns about prior BPS budget cuts to support staff and called for funded bullying-prevention efforts, without an appropriation being made.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education
**Published:** October 20, 2026

### Sources
- [Education on October 20, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzJOCe4gO8k) - Boston City Council