Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), the largest school system in Maryland with over 160,000 students, has implemented a new approach to addressing hate bias incidents. This change comes as part of the district's ongoing efforts to improve its response to discriminatory behavior and promote a more inclusive educational environment.
The newly introduced "tiered" response system categorizes incidents based on their severity, with the most serious cases designated as "level red." This approach allows for more age-appropriate handling of situations, addressing concerns about disproportionate police involvement in minor incidents.
Under the new protocol, only the most egregious or violent acts will result in police contact. This shift aims to address concerns raised by parents and community members about the previous practice of contacting law enforcement for a wide range of incidents, including minor altercations among younger students.
Wylea Chase, a parent of MCPS students and a member of the district's hate advisory group, highlighted the importance of this change. She noted that in the past, police were called disproportionately for incidents involving Black and Brown students. The new system seeks to address this disparity and provide more equitable responses.
The district defines hate bias incidents as disruptive conduct intentionally discriminatory toward someone's personal characteristics, such as race or religion. The tiered system introduces more nuanced responses:
- "Level yellow" incidents: These involve situations where a person lacks context or intent to be hurtful. Examples include name-calling by young children or unintentional acts.
- "Level red" incidents: These encompass more serious offenses such as vandalism, physical assault, or schoolwide disruptions.
MCPS has been grappling with an increase in hate bias reports, particularly since the start of the Israel-Gaza War. During the 2023-2024 school year, the district received an average of three reports daily, compared to one report every three days in the previous year. Approximately 60% of these reports involved racial targeting.
The implementation of this new system reflects Montgomery County's commitment to addressing social issues progressively. As one of the most diverse counties in Maryland, MCPS has been at the forefront of initiatives promoting inclusivity and cultural understanding.
Yeages Cowan, another parent and member of the hate advisory group, emphasized the importance of considering both intention and impact when addressing hate incidents. She noted that while intent is crucial in determining the severity of consequences, the impact on the community must also be addressed regardless of the perpetrator's intentions.
The school system has also introduced an online module to educate students about expectations outlined in the code of conduct. However, some parents have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of these online courses and are calling for data to evaluate their impact.
"A tiered system would allow for more flexibility in how to respond and would also consider variables such as the age of the people involved and intent."
As MCPS continues to refine its approach to handling hate bias incidents, the district plans to share more details with parents in the coming weeks. This ongoing dialogue between the school system, parents, and community members reflects Montgomery County's commitment to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.