HCPSS Publishes New Hate Bias Annual Report, Building Trust and Transparency

October 7th, 2026

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) recently published the 2025-2026 Hate Bias Annual Report, summarizing and analyzing hate bias incidents reported to HCPSS through its Hate Bias, Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Report Form during the 2025-2026 school year. The report is the first of its kind at HCPSS, as hate bias incidents had previously been captured within bullying and harassment reporting, making it difficult to identify and analyze separately.

HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes explains HCPSS’ vision for improving systems, “As we continue to strive to become a great school system for all students, our task is two-fold: we have to strengthen the required training for students and staff focused on curbing and interrupting hate bias incidents, and we have to create trusted systems that encourage increased participation in reporting hate bias incidents in our schools and communities.”

HCPSS currently has a number of measures in place to support students involved in hate bias incidents, including providing identified staff support, counseling, and custom interventions. In addition, the district is continuing its efforts designed to foster a safe, supportive and inclusive school climate grounded in empathy and respect. Educators have participated in state-mandated anti-bias training and students from K-12 engage in activities to build positive relationships, foster a sense of belonging, and honor dignity in the classroom and school environment.

To better complement these efforts, HCPSS staff are developing a public webpage to house resources and information related to its efforts to foster belonging. That site will be available later this school year, and will be shared with students, staff and families.

If you/someone you know in HCPSS has been subject to a hate bias incident, please complete the Hate Bias, Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Report Form.