HoCoJAG recently met with key leaders from the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), including Superintendent Bill Barnes, Chief Equity and Innovation Officer Caroline Walker, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Judith Jones, and General Counsel J. Stephen Cowles. The meeting centered on HCPSS’s Title VI Resolution Agreement with the Department of Education OCR and creating a collaboration between HoCoJAG and HCPSS to proactively address antisemitism.
During our discussion, HoCoJAG emphasized the importance of adopting a clear and actionable definition of antisemitism—one that not only protects Jewish students, but can also serve as a model for addressing other forms of hate, bigotry, and racism. We stressed the value in HCPSS adopting the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, joining 37 US States, the US State Department, Montgomery County, almost all major Jewish organizations including the Jewish Federations of North America, JCRC of Greater Washington, Union for Reform Judaism, American Jewish Committee, and Anti-Defamation League, as well as Harvard University as part of its own recent Title VI OCR agreement. We also shared the broader principle that antisemitism includes rhetoric or actions that legitimize or normalize the demonization of Jews.
We were encouraged when Superintendent Barnes agreed with HoCoJAG’s recommendation that external nationally recognized experts on antisemitism advise HCPSS on implementation of the OCR Agreement rather than leaving it in the hands of the same people who failed to recognize and prevent the hostile environment for Jewish students.
Additionally, we discussed school walkouts and the importance of developing a consistent, district-wide approach—a “playbook”—that protects free expression while appropriately regulating the time, place, conduct, and manner of walkouts, thus preventing the creation of a hostile environment for students in moments of high tension or conflicting viewpoints.
We are heartened by HCPSS’s willingness to engage in discussions on the ideal manner of implementing the OCR Agreement, and their commitment to collaborating with HoCoJAG to create a more inclusive and respectful school environment. As a result of this meeting, and to continue these important conversations, we will be meeting with HCPSS leadership quarterly.
“HoCoJAG remains steadfast in our mission to advocate for the Jewish community in Howard County,” said Trevor Greene, President of HoCoJAG. “Together, we are working to ensure every Jewish student feels as safe, supported, and seen as all students should.”
