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 One
Level Red:
- Definition:
A serious incident with a significant impact on the school community, often involving criminal elements. Police involvement is likely. - Examples:
Vandalism, physical assault, or schoolwide disruption. - Response:
The incident will be reported to law enforcement, and a letter will be sent to the entire school community informing them of the situation and the steps being taken to address it.
Tier Two
Level Orange:
- Definition:
A serious incident with a potential impact on the school community. Criminal elements are unlikely, but police may be contacted for consultation. - Examples:
Student fights, verbal altercations, or symbols carved into furniture. - Response:
Depending on the circumstances, a letter may be sent to the community. The incident will be managed by school administrators with appropriate follow-up actions.
Tier Three
Level Yellow:
- Definition:
An incident that is not considered serious under the regulation COB-RA - Reporting a Serious Incident. These incident types are isolated, with no significant impact on the community, and lack intent, context, or awareness on the part of the offender. - Examples:
Drawings in an art class, name-calling in first grade, and unintentional acts. - Response:
These incidents, while not considered serious under the regulation COB-RA, are addressed through the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. Police are not involved, and a community-wide letter is not advised. However, the parents of the students involved will be contacted directly, and appropriate actions will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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:
- Participate in six mandatory experiential learning sessions on hate-bias.
- 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.
