HCPSS Creates Committee for Diversity and Inclusion

February 11th, 2016

New Committee Will Provide Community Input To Expand Programs Promoting Positive Behavior, Respect for All Cultures and Diversity Throughout The System

Submit a statement of interest to participate in the HCPSS Committee for Diversity and Inclusion

Superintendent of Schools Renee A. Foose today announced that the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is creating a new stakeholders committee to provide input on the expansion and development of programs that combat hate-speech and leverage diversity to become an even stronger school community.

“We need to openly and honestly discuss the complex issues facing our culturally diverse community. We need to help children develop the mindset that every person and culture has value. And we must work with urgency to ensure that our classrooms are both diverse and inclusive,” Dr. Foose said.

The HCPSS Committee for Diversity and Inclusion will include students, parents, staff and community members to join the school system in the development of a comprehensive plan to expand and develop programs that promote positive behavior, respect for all cultures and diversity throughout the system. Community members and organizations will contribute their diverse perspectives and understanding about students’ experiences in school and outside of school, while ensuring transparency at every stage of the committee’s work.

Members of the HCPSS Committee for Diversity and Inclusion will commit to attending up to five biweekly meetings from 5–7 p.m., beginning on Wednesday, March 9 and completing their work on Wednesday, May 4. The committee will provide a set of recommendations to the Superintendent. Meetings will take place at the Applications and Research Laboratory (ARL) Media Center, 10920 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Participants will be expected to attend all meetings.

If interested in participating in the HCPSS Committee for Diversity and Inclusion, please submit a statement of interest online. Or, print and complete the form and mail to HCPSS Committee for Diversity and Inclusion, Office of School Administration, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. The deadline for submissions is Friday, February 26, 2016.