In recent years, the Montgomery County Public Schools system (MCPS) has made great progress with respect to LGBTQ matters. MCPS policy, of course, is set by the Montgomery County Board of Education. Below is the Questionnaire that the Metro DC Chapter of PFLAG sent to all 2022 candidates for the Board of Education. Scroll down for the answers provided by the District 5 Candidates, in alphabetical order, Valerie Coll, Dawn Iannaco-Hahn, and Brenda Wolff. (Answers from the At-Large, District 1, and District 3 candidates may be found here, here, and here.) For those seeking more context, I suggest checking out the links provided in the Questionnaire itself.
David S. Fishback, Co-Chair for Maryland Advocacy
Metro DC Chapter of PFLAG
Dear XXXXX:
For many years, the Metro DC Chapter of PFLAG has worked cooperatively with MCPS and the Board 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 five 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.
Thank you,
David S. Fishback, Maryland Advocacy Co-Chair
Metro DC PFLAG
cc: Mark Eckstein, Maryland Advocacy Co-Chair, Metro DC PFLAG
1. HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM
Background
The secondary school Family Life and Human Sexuality 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 & Homosexuality, available at http://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/orientation.pdf. This shift permits teachers to plan instruction based on the specific needs of their students, as they do in all other content areas.” See https://www.boarddocs.com/mabe/mcpsmd/Board.nsf/c4cf1644198dfd9986257503000d636f/4e99ac91837305c887257cd1006d30ed/$FILE/6%201%20Sec%20Health%20Ed%20Curr%20Framework.pdf (pp. 5-6), 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, 2021-22 and Employee Code of Conduct, 2021-22.
With respect to gender identity and expression, MCPS provides specific Guidelines. See Guidelines Regarding Student Gender Identity, 2021-22
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 Richard Montgomery 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.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/publicinfo/Bayard-Rustin.aspx
Question
What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
5. ATTEMPTS TO BAR DISCUSSION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, OR GENDER EXPRESSION.
Background
In some parts of the country, efforts are being made to prohibit public schools from discussing or even mentioning sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. See, for example, https://www.npr.org/2022/02/09/1079541236/florida-dont-say-gay-bill and https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2022/02/09/pete-buttigieg-florida-dont-say-gay-bill-lgbtq-youth-impact-nr-vpx.cnn
Question
What is your view of these efforts?
6. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
CANDIDATE RESPONSES:
Valerie M. Coll
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 that age appropriate information should be shared with students in thoughtfully planned, not scripted, instruction. Resources that are well-researched and peer reviewed should be made available to educators along with professional development for educators that helps them prepare for the work with students on this topic.
6. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
I would very much like the BOE to make sure in more strongly worded language and action that any work done to assist and strengthen our LGBTQ+ students is also explicitly reflected for all MCPS LGBTQ+ staff.
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 think this is fine, as long as the mainstream information that is included is accurate and unbiased, and presents the whole picture.As long as information is evidence based, it shouldn’t matter if it’s “mainstream” or not. The information presented needs to be constantly reviewed and changed as science changes.
2. What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies with respect to LGBTQ students and employees?
I believe all people should be and deserve to be respected and accepted.As with any policy in MCPS, the policy is only as good as it is enforced, and procedures followed. MCPS has a history of sweeping things under the rug in order to preserve their perceived reputation, and this goes for how they handle discrimination within our school communities.
3. What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020?
I think the initiatives announced in Feb 2020 sound great on paper, but I would want to be sure that MCPS actually follows through with everything contained in the initiative. I would assume, being that everything shut down in March 2020 including school buildings being closed for over a year, that much of what was contained in the initiative has not been done. I also think there needs to be a much greater focus on student voices, at all school levels including elementary school.
4. What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
I think it was an excellent choice. It’s a beautiful building and deserved to be named after someone like Mr. Rustin who helped to affect positive change in the United States.
5. What is your view of ["Don't Say Gay"] efforts?
I think it is ridiculous, and quite frankly dangerous. There is a higher rate of suicide and depression amongst people who struggle with gender identity issues and sexual orientation. By attempting to prohibit discussion, or even the mention of these things, essentially sends the message that those people don’t matter and are in some way “bad” which is why it shouldn’t be talked about, and that is not only unacceptable, it is dangerous.
6. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
As a mental health therapist for over 20 years, I have worked with many students and families in the LGBTQ community.
Brenda Wolff
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 am proud to live in a community where the majority value respect and teach respect for differences. This curriculum process included input from all stakeholders. I support the concept that instruction should not be scripted. The goal of any curriculum is among other things to teach critical thinking. I like that this curriculum is aligned with the strategic planning framework and promotes a focus on instruction that values diversity and differences. I think it is important to note that parents must opt out of sexual orientation instruction if they don’t wish their kids to participate and yet year after year we see and that a high percentage of parents chose to allow participation. This speaks well for our community although we know that there is still work to be done. As a member of the board of education, I will continue to monitor implementation and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the best educational outcome for all students.
2. What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies with respect to LGBTQ students and employees?
The anti-discrimination policies are comprehensive and consistent with MCPS’ core values.The policies are designed to ensure that students and employees are treated consistently and fairly by providing clear standards of conduct that everyone has to follow, as well as procedures for handling complaints and conducting investigations. At a time when many protections against discrimination are being scaled back, I support the efforts of MCPS to make clear what will and will not be tolerated.
3. What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020?
I fully support the initiatives that were discussed in February 2020. We have been intentional in supporting and celebrating our LGBTQ+ students.
We have implemented a LGBTQ+ Studies course in our high schools. We have Gender Identity Guidelines that protect and support our students dealing with issues surrounding gender identity. That includes transitioning students, non-binary students, and it covers everything from being able to use your preferred name and pronouns to use of bathrooms and locker rooms. Our health curriculum explicitly addresses issues relevant to our LGBTQ+ students.
LGBTQ+ issues are included in our equity training. It is important to note that we both support and celebrate our LGBTQ+ students, they are a part of the beautiful diversity that is foundational to our strength
4. What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
I attended the Board meeting that voted to approve the name Bayard Rustin for the new elementary school. As a civil rights attorney and advocate for inclusiveness, I was proud of this decision. It was an important statement to the LGBTQ community that you matter, that you are seen and that you are welcome in our schools. Students need to see themselves reflected in their schools and their teachers.
5. What is your view of ["Don't Say Gay"] efforts?
I am appalled by the discourse occurring around the county and supported by some people here in Montgomery County. MCPS went through this years ago. I am committed to maintaining an inclusive school culture for all students and will strongly object to attempts to do otherwise by a small minority of people in this community.
6. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
My entire career has dealt with issues of equal opportunity and access. I started my career with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission adjudicating appeals from decisions of federal agencies on allegations of discrimination.
I spent 27 years in the US Department of Education in numerous positions. I served as the Chief Regional Attorney in the Boston Office for Civil Rights and the Deputy Director and Acting Director in the Philadelphia Office for Civil Rights which has jurisdiction over the state of Maryland.
I was appointed by the Secretary of Education as the Special Assistant for Gender Equity for the entire agency. In that capacity I advised the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on issues of gender equity in all of the Department’s programs. During that time I also took on the role of advancing the President’s One America Initiative on Race. I facilitated discussions and activities in the Department that allowed staff to feel safe in talking about race relations in their offices and lives.
I later became the Director of the National Institute of Educational Governance, Finance Policymaking and Management in the Office of Educational Research and Improvement of the US Department of Education becoming responsible for managing studies on numerous school governance and policy issues concerned with improving the quality of education and ensuring access to equal education opportunities for all. During that time I also served as the Acting Director of the National Institute on the Education of At-Risk Students.
I subsequently moved to the National Center for Education Statistics serving as the Program Manager for the National Assessment of Education Progress. In this position I was responsible for management of a budget in excess 0f $131 million dollars a year, Reporting and Quality Assurance.
I am sharing this history so that you understand how committed how I am to ensuring that all children are treated with dignity and respect and provided equitable access and opportunity to all programs and activities in MCPS. This has been the work I have been involved in and continue to do as part of the current Board of Education.
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