responding to Incidents of Hate-Bias
introduction
Discrimination in any form will not be tolerated. It hinders the school district’s mission to serve all students and staff and to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity. The Board recognizes that equity involves more than legal compliance; it requires proactive efforts to address implicit biases and structural barriers that have led to exclusion. Our classrooms remain spaces where students will learn about diverse perspectives and viewpoints, aligning with our core values of inclusivity and acceptance. Any allegation of hate-bias is unique and will be addressed through the lens of intent and context.
mcps investigates all incidents
MCPS investigates all allegations of hate-bias that: a) occur on school property (or on a bus), at a school- sponsored activity or event, or b) substantially disrupt the orderly operation of a school learning environment. Examples include, but are not limited to, hate speech; using a racial, ethnic, or other slur; displaying hateful or racist symbols, flags, or drawings; mocking a disability; or telling offensive “jokes’’ about someone’s identity.
- Examples include hate speech; racial slurs; displaying hateful symbols or flags; creating racist images; mocking a disability; offensive “jokes'' about gender identity.
- Hate bias is different from hate crimes. Hate crimes are addressed as a matter of law outside of the district’s jurisdiction.
MCPS Definition of Hate-Bias
Founded on the principles of Board of Education Policy ACA: Nondiscrimination, Equity, and Cultural Proficiency, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) considers a hate or bias-motivated incident to be any disruptive conduct (oral, written, graphic, physical, or electronic communication) that includes INTENTIONAL DISCRIMINATORY BEHAVIOR based on personal characteristics; race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, family/parental status, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, poverty and socioeconomic status, language, or other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations.
Three-Tiered Identification System
for Serious Incidents
At Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), we strive to promote understanding and respect for everyone, ensuring that our schools are safe spaces where all individuals feel valued and supported.
To better address and communicate serious incidents that occur within our schools, MCPS has implemented a three-tiered identification and response system. This system is designed to ensure the safety of all our students and staff and to provide a clear and structured approach to incident management.
- Our three-tiered system is not only about incident management but also about transparent communication. We want you to be fully informed about how incidents are handled and the support provided to those affected.
- Our three-tiered system outlines how these incidents are identified, managed, and communicated to our school community.
Tier Three
Level Yellow:
Fact Finding: Fact finding steps are taken and it is determined that the actions are hurtful, unwelcoming and/or harmful, but not motivated by hate or bias.
Communication: No communication is made to the larger community, but parents of those involved are contacted.
Record Keeping: The school uses the Code of Conduct to determine any disciplinary actions. Local documentation is kept on file.
Response: All individuals harmed by the incident will receive supports to help heal and reengage in learning. This includes, but is not limited to counseling, peer support, mediation, and restorative approaches.
Tier Two
Level Orange:
Fact Finding: Fact finding steps are taken and it is determined that the actions are motivated by hate/bias but is not criminal.
Communication: Schools report the incident to MCPD, Office of School Support and Improvement (OSSI) and other central offices. Consultation occurs with Hate Bias Coordinator. A communication to the larger community is not likely, but could be possible based on the situation. Parents are contacted.
Record Keeping: Disciplinary action is taken in alignment with the Student Code of Conduct and form 226-5 is uploaded in Synergy.
Response: The Hate Bias Crisis Team and the School Support Team may be launched. All those impacted will receive supportive measures including, but not limited to a safety plan, counseling, peer support, mediation, and restorative approaches.
Tier One
Level Red:
Fact Finding: Fact finding steps are taken in collaboration with MCPD. It is determined that the actions are motivated by hate/bias and potentially are criminal in nature. This incident has a large scope of impact.
Communication: Schools report the incident to MCPD, Office of School Support and Improvement (OSSI), Behavioral Threat Assessment Team (BTAT), and other central offices. Consultation occurs with Hate Bias Coordinator. A community letter is developed with central office support for distribution. Parents are contacted.
Record Keeping: Disciplinary action is taken in alignment with the Student Code of Conduct after MCPD has completed their investigation. Form 226-5 is uploaded in Synergy.
Response: The Hate Bias Crisis Team and the School Support Team are launched. All those impacted will receive supportive measures including, but not limited to a safety plan, counseling, peer support, mediation, restorative approaches.
Three-Tiered Identification System for Serious Incidents
Communication and Support for Affected Individuals
In the event of serious incidents, we want to assure you that affected students and families will receive clear communication and access to supportive resources such as psychologists and social workers. While our school and centralized communication will recognize the nature of incidents, our communication home will not comment on broader political or social issues. We believe that such topics require thoughtful discussion with the necessary context and are best addressed through facilitated lessons in the classroom or conversations within families at home. As a school district, our core focus is on teaching and learning, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to be ready for college, career and community. By refraining from issuing public statements on polarizing societal issues, we can ensure that we remain dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment for all students without contributing to the division that often accompanies these discussions.
Commitment to Inclusivity and Respect
All Montgomery County Public Schools are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. We stand firmly against incidents of hate-bias and will follow MCPS’ hate-bias reporting protocols, requirements, and guidelines, including communicating such events to our school communities.
For more detailed information about MCPS’ Tiered System of Response and other related policies, please refer to the resources provided below:
Partnering with Families
Hate and Bias in all of its forms is a community problem and requires a collective effort that extends beyond our schools if it is to be eradicated. We ask for your continued support at home as we work together to help students understand and commit to the importance of values such as empathy, respect, kindness, inclusivity, and acceptance.
Confronting Hate-Bias Campaign
Prevention Through Education
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is committed to combating hate-bias through education and training.
Employee Professional Training
(Completed)
- This summer, all school-based administrators received mandatory training on the Hate-Bias Tiered Reporting System, equipping them with the skills to identify, report, and address hate-bias incidents.
- Over 200 school and office-based professionals participated in the new Humanity to Halt Hate Bias course.
- Staff were trained to lead Equity Dialogues with elementary students and Study Circles with middle and high school students.
- MCPS also offered professional learning opportunities for all staff to enhance their ability to recognize and respond to hate-bias and racism.
Employee Professional Training
(Upcoming)
All staff will:
- Principals will receive development on effective communication strategies to eliminate divisive language.
- In September 2024, MCPS will launch a Civic Engagement & Civil Discourse Campaign, highlighting the importance of these values within the district.
- Resources will be provided to staff, students, and families to foster productive engagement, critical thinking, and media literacy.
