David S. Fishback, C0-Chair for Maryland Advocacy
Metro DC Chapter of PFLAG
March 1, 2020
Dear XXXX:
For many years, the Metro DC Chapter of PFLAG has worked cooperatively
with MCPS and theBoard of Education to work foster a positive environment
for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, and Gender Non-Conforming students.
In order to inform our members and supporters of the viewpoints of the candidates
running to serve on the Board of Education, we respectfully request that you
answer the four brief questions pasted below. In order to provide a context,
we include background materials. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we will not be
endorsing candidates for office, but we will pass along your answers,
and anything else you would like to let us know, to our members and supporters.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
We would appreciate your response no later than March 15, 2020.
1. HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM
Background
The secondary school Family Life and Human Sexuality curriculum (which
is an “opt-in” section of the health education curriculum) provides that with
respect to matters of sexual orientation and gender identity, the lessons are
not “scripted” (as they were prior to 2014), but rather that “instructional
planning resources [are] developed similar to all other content areas,
including sample learning tasks, suggested instructional resources, and
teacher guidance (e.g., the American Psychological Association’s Answers
to Your Questions for a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation &
This shift permits teachers to plan instruction based on the specific needs of
their students, as they do in all other content areas.” See
adopted by the Board of Education on June 17, 2014.
Question
What is your position on the inclusion of information from mainstream
American medical and mental health professional associations in the MCPS
health education curriculum?
2. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
Background
MCPS guidelines and regulations make it very clear that the Board of Education
“expects all students and staff to conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates
mutual respect without regard to an individual’s actual or perceived personal
characteristics, such as . . . gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation,
[and] family/parental status.”
See, for example, A Student’s Guide to Rights and Responsibilities, 2019-20
and
Employee Code of Conduct, 2019-20
With respect to gender identity and expression, MCPS provides specific Guidelines.
See Guidelines Regarding Student Gender Identity Matters
Question
What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies with respect to LGBTQ
students and employees?
3. SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ STUDENTS
Background
On February 4, 2020, the Board of Education’s Committee on Special Populations
reviewed its Support for LGBTQ Students Update. This review included discussion
of MCPS initiatives for support of LGBTQ Students.
Question
What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020?
4. SCHOOL NAMING
Background
In 2018, the Board of Education decided to name the new Rockville Cluster
Elementary School after Bayard Rustin, a gay African American civil rights activist
who was instrumental to organizing the 1963 March of Washington, which became
the platform for Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. https://www.
Question
What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
5. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO
SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
*************************************************************************************************
DISTRICT TWO
MICHAEL FRYAR
1. What is your position on the inclusion of information from mainstream American medical and
mental health professional associations in the MCPS health education curriculum?
Verified and vetted information should always be included in current health education curriculum.
Science is a constantly shifting field as new discoveries are made and things we thought were
common knowledge turn out to be incorrect. For instance, for years a high level of salt was regarded
to be dangerous in food and led to high blood pressure. Then, in 2014, several published studies
showed that there was no correlation between salt consumption and blood pressure or heart
disease. That information, six years later, still has not trickled down into mainstream curriculum.
2. What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies with respect to LGBTQ students and
employees?
Anti-discrimination rules and laws that specifically protect LGBTQ students and employees are
typically state law as it the LGBTQ only relatively recently received federal protection under the
Equality Act passed by Congress. While it is fantastic that there are laws on the books, even
without them everyone deserves protection from discrimination and bullying under all circumstances.
Being judged on your merits and civil discourse is a cornerstone
to our Republic.
3. What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020?
It is interesting to me that we are in 2020 and still having discussions around accommodations for
protected classes. One would think by now this would be a simple conversation and inclusivity a
quick process. The initiatives boil down to "People want to be valued, not ostracized or bullied, and
have equal opportunity." These should all be givens in our culture and society. Having read through
the slides there is nothing in them that is not similar to what other minimalized minority groups have
requested and received.
4. What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
School naming is a significant event that puts a specific individual in front of every student for every
day that they attend that school. Naming schools for local heroes provides the opportunity to identify
individuals who, otherwise, might slip through the cracks of history despite their great achievements.
I think this selection was both appropriate and deserving.
5. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
As an attorney I've worked with LGBTQ clients for years on civil rights and education issues.
*************************************************************************************************
REBECCA SMONDROWSKI
1. What is your position on the inclusion of information from mainstream American medical and
mental health professional associations in the MCPS health education curriculum?
As a parent and as a board member, I believe that it is fundamental to offer students the most accurate
information from accredited medical and mental health professionals. During my time on the board I
have advocated, supported and promoted the BeWell 365 initiative. The BeWell 365 program uses
research based information to provide our students with the best supports and curriculum they need
in order to promote positive social, emotional and physical well-being.
2. What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies with respect to LGBTQ students and
employees?
MCPS has strong non-discrimination policies in place that I voted for and stand by, that includes
supporting the LGBTQ+ community. I believe that all students should be provided with a healthy,
positive, supportive learning environment regardless of any attributes such as sexual orientation,
ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. To best accept each other as people, it is important to understand
what makes us unique as individuals. This year MCPS has worked with Tiferet Ani to develop a
comprehensive class about the LGBTQ+ community that will pilot as an elective and be rolled out in
ten high schools in the Spring of 2021. The revised ADA BOE policy not only supports anti-discrimination
of LGBTQ+ students and staff but also requires that the district has mandatory professional
development for all personnel every year on this important topic.
3. What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020?
I believe that the board is taking the necessary steps in order to create an inclusive environment for
all students. As Chair of the Special Populations Committee, I have worked closely with MCPS to
develop a plan of action that will support the LGBTQ+ community and hold everyone accountable for
next steps. We instituted a new record keeping and identification process inclusive of gender preference
and nonbinary designation forms and documents. We are committed to continuing to move forward in
supporting all students and their families of the LGBTQ+ community. I have worked hard to ensure that
the LGBTQ+ community has had a seat at the table for development and implementation of all new
initiatives that we implement. I have been in support of and advocated for a variety of needs which includes
a new, more inclusive curriculum, gender neutral bathrooms, as well as individualized plans. We have also
participated in developing Equity Matters; a professional newsletter to all school and central office
personnel highlighting the diversity of our community and providing staff with resources to promote
equity in classrooms and offices every day.
4. What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
MCPS Policy states that, “It is preferred that school facilities, or portions of school facilities, be named for
deceased distinguished persons, who have made an outstanding contribution to the community, county,
state, or nation.” When naming a school MCPS puts together a community advisory group to make
recommendations to the Board. As a personal rule, I almost never vote for something different from that
recommendation, as I believe the community voice should be respected. In the case of Bayard Rustin
Elementary School though, I felt that the LGBTQ+ made a very compelling argument for why this was a
great opportunity to look at someone who represents a multitude of demographics which is something
that is very important to me. I am so proud of and happy with the way the school students, staff and
community have embraced the name and used it as a learning opportunity for all of Montgomery
County. It is truly exceptional when I tour the building and talk to the children and staff there to see the
loving and inclusive spirit and climate that the school projects
*************************************************************************************************
DISTRICT FOUR
SHEBRA EVANS
1. What is your position on the inclusion of information from mainstream American medical and
mental health professional associations in the MCPS health education curriculum?
Our values and beliefs are codified across our policies and are specifically addressed in my response to
question #2 listed below. I support the inclusion in the MCPS health education curriculum. Also, the
board adopted a new curriculum in February of 2019 that much closely represents the diversity of our
student body. Students testified in the proceeding months at public hearings and business meetings
acknowledging they could see a reflection of themselves in the new curriculum.
2. What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies with respect to LGBTQ students and
employees?
The Board of Education and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) redoubled our commitment
to expanding access and opportunity so students can have what they need to be college, career
and community ready. One of the ways is through our board policy ACA Nondiscrimination, Equity,
and Cultural Proficiency, the Guidelines for Respecting Religious Diversity; and Guidelines for
Student Gender Identity that separately and together define our system's commitment to valuing
and celebrating our diverse student body and staff.
3. What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020?
I currently serve on the board and along with my colleagues fully supported the initiatives for our
LGBTQ students.
4. What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
I currently serve on the board and supported naming the new Rockville elementary school after
Bayard Rustin. We hold the naming of schools in a high regard, especially if it is named after a
person. Our students have another way to learn individual stories and quite possibly a bit more
about history.
5. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
My name is Shebra L Evans and I am running for re-election for the Montgomery County Board
of Education, District 4 seat. I currently serve as the board president, but my leadership extends
to the state level serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Maryland Association of
Boards of Education (MABE), Chair of the MABE Equity Ad Hoc Committee and on the Policies and
Procedures Committee. Prior to serving on the school board, I was a passionate advocate and
activist for public education serving in numerous volunteer leadership roles. I believe that an
empowered and informed community is the most effective way to build a high-quality school system.
This has been the foundation of my work these past four years. I will continuously strive to foster
a productive partnership with the school system and the community we serve.
For additional information about my campaign, please visit my website:
www.Shebraevans.com F:facebook/Shebra4BOE T:@ShebraEvans P: 301-284-8976
*************************************************************************************************
EHREN PARK REYNOLDS
1. What is your position on the inclusion of information from mainstream American medical and
mental health professional associations in the MCPS health education curriculum?
I believe MCPS needs to meet students where they are, both literally and figuratively. I would
have no objection to a teaching methodology that is planned around the specific needs of students,
particularly on the high-priority and sensitive area of sex ed.
2. What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies with respect to LGBTQ students and
employees?
It is critically important that all members of the MCPS community treat each other with collegiality
and respect. Any deviation from this directive to the detriment of the LGBTQ community must be
taken extremely seriously, and staff must be trained to handle potential issues along these lines with
professionalism. MCPS must commit to adequate training to ensure a safe and welcoming experience
for all LGBTQ members of the MCPS community.
3. What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020?
These initiatives seem very promising. It is important to ensure that all LGBTQ members of the MPCS
community are treated respectfully.
4. What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
Terrific idea. Bayard Rustin was an inspirational figure.
*************************************************************************************************
STEVE SOLOMON
1. What is your position on the inclusion of information from mainstream American medical and
mental health professional associations in the MCPS health education curriculum?
I support this. Curriculum should always have the most current information. It only makes
sense that we are not teaching kids the exact same thing we did 50 years ago. Times have
changed and people have changed. I also like the idea of teachers being able to shift their plan
based on the needs of their students.
2. What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies with respect to LGBTQ students and
employees?
I support updating our anti-discrimination policies whenever necessary. All students should feel
safe in schools regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
3. What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020?
I support the initiatives. The BOE has shown concern by the existence of the committee on
special populations. I support the enhanced training, professional development, and more
community involvement with parents and students.
4. What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
I'm in favor of the name. I believe students at all 208 MCPS schools should know who their
school is named after and what that person accomplished.
5. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Thank you for this opportunity to learn a little more about me! I'd love for everyone to go
No comments:
Post a Comment