United We Learn

Combating Hate through the Arts

Dear MCPS Community:

Montgomery County Public Schools has a longstanding and unwavering commitment to the principles of respect and equity. It is on these principles that we ask our students to take a stand against hate, bias and divisiveness.

It should come as no surprise that Montgomery County is not immune to bias, prejudice and hate. It is also no secret that hate-based incidents are on the rise across the country. The Montgomery County Police Department recently reported that it has seen an increase in hate crimes during the past several months, some of which have affected our school communities.

Combating the divisiveness and hate that have emerged in our county and country is the responsibility of every community member, including students. 

The work of a fourth grade class at Stedwick Elementary School is a perfect example of what students can do. These students addressed bias and stereotyping head-on—first in their poetry and then in the video, The Lie.

Their work has inspired me and so many others across our community. I believe more inspiration is needed as we speak out against hate.

That is why today, Montgomery County Public Schools, in partnership with the Faith Community Advisory Council, the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights, the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission and the Committee on Hate Violence, has launched the contest, United We Learn: Combating Hate through the Arts.

The goal of this contest is to provide students with a creative, structured opportunity to explore issues of bias and prejudice; help them learn about the values of respect, diversity and civility; and empower them to take a stand against hate.

The contest, which runs through April 21, 2017, is open to students across all grade levels. Submissions will be judged by level (elementary, middle and high) and in multiple categories—the written word, performance, visual art or multimedia. To encourage collaboration, entries must be submitted by groups of two students or more.

The winners of the contest will have their works published, printed and/or broadcast through MCPS media platforms. Winners also will receive other prizes, which will be announced at the end of the contest.

Parents, please encourage your children to engage a friend, enter this contest and inspire others to celebrate diversity and combat hate.

More information about the contest is online at MCPSUnitedWeLearn.org 

Sincerely,
Jack R. Smith, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Contest Partner Organizations