10-27-2023 Update to 10-26-23 Community Letter from the Superintendent

October 27th, 2023

The following message was issued by HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano on October 27, 2023:

I have heard from many parents/guardians and community members regarding my recent message and remarks acknowledging the terrorist attack on Israel as well as the ensuing war in Gaza. While my remarks during the Oct. 26 Board of Education meeting and the related community message addressed hate/bias and antisemitism, they should have also explicitly acknowledged Islamophobia in addition to the negative impact all types of hate/bias have on our community.

I understand and acknowledge that our Muslim, Arab and Palestinian families are suffering as a result of the violence in the Middle East. Many of our families have strong connections to Palestine or have loved ones who have been severely impacted by the continued violence.

As the violence escalated, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion reached out to our Muslim community leaders to ensure an open dialogue and continued partnership in helping our children feel safe and supported in Howard County schools. Concerns have been shared by them of the rise in Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment. I want to be clear that any act of hate/bias, including Islamophobic and antisemitic speech, will not be tolerated. I also want to note that we will continue to meet and partner with our leaders in the Muslim community to ensure that there is continuous dialogue and information sharing so that any incident of hate/bias is responded to immediately. I have already heard from representatives of the Howard County Muslim Council and will be personally meeting with their leadership as I have with the Jewish Federation of Howard County.

My job as your Superintendent remains to take care of all of our children. Again, my comments should have acknowledged how we are addressing both antisemitism and Islamophobia in addition to all forms of hate/bias and the policies that govern our schools. If your child has experienced incidents of hate/bias in their school or if they have not received the supports necessary to feel safe and nurtured, I ask you to continue to remain in contact with me so that we can respond quickly and ensure the safety and security of your child.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Martirano, Ed.D.

Superintendent