José J. López, M.Ed., J.D., is an accomplished attorney and dedicated resident of Boston’s historic Roxbury community. With an extensive background in both education and law, José has committed his career to advancing justice, equity, and diversity. Before embarking on his legal journey, José worked with young learners as a history teacher in the Boston Public Schools. His transition into the practice of law saw him rise to the position of Deputy Director of the City of Boston’s Office of Labor Relations, where he represented the city in various labor and employment matters, after serving as a labor attorney for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

José brings his experience and lens to the position of Legal Director of Compliance and Civil Rights at the Boston Public Schools' Office of Civil Rights (OCR). In this role, José will bring his knowledge of state and federal compliance and civil rights laws to ensure that BPS is a working environment unimpeded by bias or discrimination. His work will focus on the aligned coordination, monitoring, and investigation of the district’s compliance with laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination on various grounds, including sex, race, and disability.

As a current Board member and past President of the Massachusetts Association of Hispanic Attorneys (MAHA), José has demonstrated his commitment to diversifying the judiciary and preparing applicants for judicial positions. His involvement in the Labor Guild, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, and the Massachusetts Bar Association further underscores his varied experience and dedication to equity and justice.

In his new role, José will oversee the implementation of the district’s equity circulars, ensuring that Boston Public Schools is a welcoming and inclusive environment. He will supervise the Office of Equity and lead the design and execution of relevant equity training across the district. His experience coauthoring reports for the Massachusetts Racial Imbalance Advisory Council and presenting on educational diversity will be invaluable as he facilitates the review and revision of BPS policies with an anti-racist lens.

José's leadership will extend to organizing professional development opportunities for staff and initiating investigations into potential bias or discrimination within BPS departments. His ability to manage complex projects and engage in data-driven decision-making will be crucial in his role. Collaborating with district leadership, school staff, and community stakeholders, José will work to ensure that all BPS schools and offices are guided by equitable practices and are nurturing environments for all.

José's educational background, including his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Boston College, combined with his professional experience, positions him as a leader in advancing the mission of the Office of Civil Rights. His commitment to public education and equity will drive the continuous improvement of the Boston Public Schools in fostering an inclusive and just educational environment.

bbolling@bostonpublicschools.org

Bruce Bolling, Jr. serves as the Assistant Director of Compliance, where he is instrumental in creating a safe and equitable environment within the district. He is responsible for conducting investigations into allegations of bias-based conduct and sexual misconduct, providing recommendations, addressing concerns raised by employees, students, and families in accordance with the district’s Equity circulars. His work covers a wide range of critical issues, including disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.

Bruce earned a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Legal Studies from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and is a proud graduate of Boston College Law School, where he obtained his Juris Doctor. During his time at law school, he made notable contributions that strengthened the connection between the school and the community, serving as the Vice President External and Community Service Chair for the Black Law Students Association. His efforts reflect his strong commitment to leadership and community service.

Before joining Boston Public Schools, Bruce gained invaluable experience managing health equity events and leading community outreach initiatives. He worked closely with youth and contributed to ensuring that city construction projects implemented practices that promote fairness and inclusion.

As a lifelong Bostonian from Roxbury and a second-generation BPS alum, Bruce is deeply committed to his community. In his spare time, he enjoys cheering for the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, and New England Patriots, as well as exploring new places and spending quality time with family and friends. His unwavering dedication to justice and equity, along with his love for the city, makes him an invaluable asset to the team.