HCPSS Support for LGBTQIA+ Students and Families

February 5th, 2025

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming learning environment for all students. This imperative guides the school system’s efforts as it collaborates with local, state, and federal partners to support students and families.

The school system fully supports its LGBTQIA+ students and staff, and continues to uplift their belonging in alignment with the new HCPSS Strategic Plan. As part of the HCPSS recent strategic planning process, students, staff, parents and community members elevated “belonging” as one of seven shared values. This value is foundational for fostering equity, access and opportunity so all students may thrive and be successful. Additionally, HCPSS continues to follow Maryland Civil Rights Laws and Maryland State Department of Education guidance, which includes the important role administrators, faculty, staff, and students play in creating and sustaining a healthy and respectful environment.

Our HCPSS LGBTQIA+ Youth webpage reaffirms the system’s commitment to all students and contains information and links to local and national resources for LGBTQIA+ youth and their families.

If students or staff experience incidents of bullying, harassment, discrimination or intimidation for any reason, it is imperative that the incident be reported promptly using the online Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form. These acts, intended to sever a sense of belonging, are not tolerated in the HCPSS community and must be acted upon. Anyone aware of a student needing support should reach out to the school counselor or administrator who can coordinate assistance.