Message from the Superintendent on Incidents of Hate and Bias, Oct. 27, 2023

October 27th, 2023

On October 27, 2023, HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano issued an update to the message below.

The following message was issued by HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano on October 26, 2023:

I continue to be deeply saddened by the impact of the recent terrorist attack on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza. As the death toll and war escalate, so does my concern regarding the impact they are having on Howard County students, staff, and families. It is difficult to fully express the genuine sadness and emotions I feel for our students, staff, and neighbors who are grieving and scared. Simply put, I am devastated by this human atrocity.

Recently, I met with leadership of the Jewish Federation and had dialog about ways we collaboratively support our students during these challenging times. I appreciate and value their guidance and support.

We are fortunate to live and raise families in a county that is overwhelmingly committed to acceptance, unity, diversity, and love. We prioritize those who are suffering and struggling and provide comfort where it is needed most. Unfortunately, it is not that way all over the world. I am concerned about the content and calls for action that I am aware of circulating on social media. In this age of borderless communication, a hateful or inappropriate post or text message has the ability to impact our students, staff and families and can cause significant pain and fear.

I want to assure the entire Howard County community that while the general rights to free speech and protest afforded all Americans do not cease with our students, hate and antisemitic speech will absolutely not be tolerated. This includes insensitive or threatening text messages and social media posts.

I have been concerned by the possibilities of acts of hate and bias occurring in schools between students. Language and acts of hate violate several Board of Education policies, including 1000 Civility; 1010 Anti-Discrimination; 1040 Safe and Supportive Schools; 9460 Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, and Intimidation Involving Students; and 9020 Students’ Rights and Responsibilities that governs acceptable behavior when it comes to peaceful demonstration and protests. School and system leaders assess reported incidents and impose appropriate consequences.

Please remember that hate crimes are crimes and handled in accordance with the law and hate/bias incidences are handled in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct.

I encourage any student who is fearful about reporting an incident to share the experience with a trusted adult, either a family member or educator, who can report the incident for you. Additionally, we proudly partner with many wonderful community organizations and clergy that support our community and share incidents with us. Parents and guardians, I seek your support and collaboration in this effort. Parents, please talk to your children about the severe detrimental impacts this type of language has on their peers and the consequences for using this kind of language.

Additionally, I am certain that anyone who sees the extreme violence on television sets and on social media is upset, traumatized, and emotionally impacted – as I have been. We have many students and staff in our schools who are deeply concerned for the welfare of loved ones and friends currently overseas. We have staff in each of our school buildings who are trained to support the well-being and emotional needs of our students and we encourage students and staff to reach out to those staff if they are struggling.

Finally, I continue to urge all members of the Howard County community to remain supportive and empathetic of all our neighbors. Our children need our constant support, care and love. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Martirano Ed.D.

Superintendent