Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, § 40 (2026)

Disturbance of assemblies; conduct of students on school grounds or in the course of school-related events

✓ current as of July 2026

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Section 40. Whoever willfully interrupts or disturbs an assembly of people meeting for a lawful purpose shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than 1 month or by a fine of not more than $50; provided, however, that an elementary or secondary student shall not be adjudged a delinquent child for an alleged violation of this section for such conduct within school buildings or on school grounds or in the course of school-related events.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 12 cases, 1978–2019 · leading case: Commonwealth v. Bohmer, 372 N.E.2d 1381 (Mass. 1978).

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Commonwealth v. Bohmer, 372 N.E.2d 1381 (Mass. 1978). · cites it 8× “This case is before us on a bill of exceptions challenging the defendants’ convictions of wilfully interrupting or disturbing a school in violation of G. L. c. 272, § 40. 2 *370 The defendants question the constitutionality of the statute, both on its face and as applied, and…”

Commonwealth v. Villagran, 81 N.E.3d 310 (Mass. 2017). · cites it 6× “269, § 10 (h); disturbing a school, G. L. c. 272, § 40; and possession of a class D substance with intent to distribute, G.”

Goddard v. Kelley, 629 F. Supp. 2d 115 (D. Mass. 2009). · cites it 2× “The charge of disturbing a public assembly under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, § 40 presents a more difficult set of issues.”

Iacobucci v. Town of Pembroke, 193 F.3d 14 (1st Cir. 1999). “That ground implicated Mass. Gen. Laws c. 272, § 40, which makes it a misdemeanor to “willfully interrupt ] or disturb[] a school or other assembly.”

Skrabec v. Town of North Attleboro, 878 F.3d 5 (1st Cir. 2017). “Patrick was charged with the misdemeanor offenses of threatening to commit a crime, Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, § 2 ; and disturbing a school assembly,' Mass.”

Commonwealth v. Sholley, 739 N.E.2d 236 (Mass. 2000). “368, 375 (1978) (comparable provision of G. L. c. 272, § 40, prohibiting interruption or disruption of schools extends only to “activity that so significantly disrupts their functioning as to impair the accomplishment of their educational goals”).”

Commonwealth v. Telcinord, 113 N.E.3d 382 (Mass. App. Ct. 2018). “2d 1381 (1978), the Supreme Judicial Court addressed a similar issue where the defendants challenged their convictions of wilfully interrupting or disturbing a school in violation of G. L. c. 272, § 40. 8 The defendants contended that the statute was unconstitutionally vague and…”

Commonwealth v. Sholley, 726 N.E.2d 415 (Mass. App. Ct. 2000). “A case construing G. L. c. 272, § 40 — an analogous school disruption statute — provides assistance in interpreting the disrupting court proceedings statute.”

Massachusetts v. Azubuko, 616 F. Supp. 2d 174 (D. Mass. 2009). “269, § 10 (j)), and disturbance of school ( Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 272, § 40 ). The complaints against Azubuko were filed in the Massachusetts District Court in September of 2007.”

Commonwealth v. Geordi G., a Juv., 111 N.E.3d 1102 (Mass. App. Ct. 2018). · cites it 2× “218, § 35A, for a delinquency complaint, alleging that the juvenile committed two counts of assault and battery (one against a teacher and the other against the principal) and one count of disturbing a school assembly, G. L. c. 272, § 40. The assistant principal made no mention…”

Commonwealth v. Ashe A., a Juv. (Mass. 2019). · cites it 4× “On February 20, 2018, a complaint issued against the juvenile charging him with disturbing a school assembly, in violation of G. L. c. 272, § 40, as amended by St. 1969, c.”

Commonwealth v. Sorrell, 102 N.E.3d 428 (Mass. App. Ct. 2018). “94C, § 32C ; (3) disturbing a school or other assembly, in violation of G. L. c. 272, § 40 ; and (4) carrying a dangerous weapon, in violation of G.”

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