In recent years, the Montgomery County Public Schools system (MCPS) has made great progress with respect to LGBT+ 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 2024 candidates for the Board of Education. Scroll down for the answers provided by At-Large Candidates, in alphabetical order, Lynne Harris, Sharif Hidayat, Melissa Kim, Jonathan Long, Fitzgerald Mofor, and Rita Montoya. (Answers from the District 2 and District 4 candidates may be found here and here.) For those seeking more context, we suggest checking out the links provided in the Questionnaire itself.
February 10, 2024
Dear XXXXX:
For many years, the Metro DC Chapter of PFLAG has worked cooperatively with MCPS and the Board of Education to 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.
We would appreciate your response no later than March 10, 2024.
Typing in your responses in a Reply email to fishbackpflag@gmail.com would be appreciated.
Thank you,
David S. Fishback, Maryland Advocacy Co-Chair
Metro DC PFLAG
fishbackpflag@gmail.com
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. This approach 'permits teachers to plan instruction based on the specific needs of their students, as they do in all other content areas.'” See May 14, 2014 Memorandum from the Superintendent at 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 in Montgomery County Public Schools, Employee Code of Conduct in Montgomery County Public Schools, and MCPS Policy ACA: Nondiscrimination, Equity, and Cultural Proficiency.
With respect to gender identity and expression, MCPS provides specific Guidelines. See Guidelines Regarding Student Gender Identity.
Question
What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination approach 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.
One of these initiatives has been inclusion of materials in the elementary level English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum that are inclusive of a wide range of previously-ignored groups, including LGBTQ+ students and their families. Last year, litigants supported by extremely conservative groups like Moms for Liberty challenged in federal court the MCPS decision to not allow opt-outs when such materials are used. In August, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland denied litigants’ request for an injunction to block MCPS’s decision in a 60-page decision. The matter is on appeal in the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.)
Question
What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020 and the recent ELA actions?
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.
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, laws and regulations have been enacted to prohibit public schools from discussing or even mentioning sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. See, for example, What You Need to Know about Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” and “Don’t Say They” Laws, Book Bans, and Other Curricula Restrictions, published in 2023 by the National Education Association, the Florida Education Association, and the American Federation of Teachers; and 'Don't Say Gay' bill would limit discussion of sexuality and gender in Florida schools, reported by National Public Radio in 2022.
In 2022, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg succintly explained the implication of such laws and regulations.
Question
What is your view of these efforts? What do you think of Secretary Buttigieg’s perspective?
6. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
CANDIDATE RESPONSES:
Lynne Harris
1. HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM
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 a staunch advocate for a health curriculum that is fully current, fully inclusive, and wholly accurate. Objective information about sexual orientation and human sexuality from mainstream medical associations is appropriate, and should be the foundation of any curriculum addressing these topics.
2. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination approach with respect to LGBTQ+ students and employees?
I have been a strong and well-known supporter for all MCPS policies that support the creation of a fully inclusive and affirming system in which everyone feels safe, welcome and valued being exactly who they are. That includes ensuring students are empowered with knowledge about their rights in MCPS, and the supports that are available to them.
3. SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ+ STUDENTS
What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020 and the recent ELA actions?
Public education should have as a core mission windows and mirrors – so that every student sees themselves and their experience reflected in the classroom, and also sees beyond their own experience and learns to appreciate the experience of others. That is how we create critical thinking problem solvers who are prepared for the world they enter as soon as they leave their K-12 education. Insuring that our curriculum is fully inclusive – from storybooks to history – is mission critical. Allowing parents to say ‘I don’t want my kids to learn about those people’ , or ‘I only want my kids to learn a whitewashed version of history’ is contrary to the mission, and inconsistent with the Constitution and state law. If parents choose to enroll their students in a public school system, then their student must participate fully in the public school curriculum prescribed by the State education agency and the local school system. They don’t have the right to dictate that public schools conform the public curriculum to their specific point of view.
4. SCHOOL NAMING
What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
I take great pride in Montgomery County Pubic Schools being the only one of the nation’s 1000+ school systems that currently has a school named for Bayard Rustin. The times in which Mr. Rustin lived – with all of its bigotries and phobias – prevented his critical contributions to Civil Rights and the nation’s progress. Naming a school for him, in a school system committed to diversity, equity and inclusion – seems a small thing in comparison to the work of his life.
5. ATTEMPTS TO BAR DISCUSSION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, OR GENDER EXPRESSION.
What is your view of these efforts? What do you think of Secretary Buttigieg’s perspective?
Secretary Buttigieg is dead right. Pro-family means pro-every family. Prohibiting or enabling the harsh judgmentalism at the core of initiatives like “Don’t Say Gay” are inappropriate for any institution nominally dedicated to education and critical thinking. We know our LGBTQ+ youth are the MOST at risk – of anxiety, depression, homelessness, abuse, suicide – so any measure which isolates and labels and devalues their essential humanity, especially one mandated by a State government, is dangerous and shouldn’t be tolerated.
6. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
I am an unapologetic and very public ally, who sees value in everyone and believes that anything we do, or say, or permit that could encourage anyone to dismiss or minimize others is an obstacle to creating a vibrant, creative, successful and healthy society.
Sharif Hidayat
1. HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM
What is your position on the inclusion of information from mainstream American medical and mental health professional associations in the MCPS health education curriculum?
The inclusion of literature from mainstream American medical and mental health professional associations in the MCPS health education curriculum is beneficial. There are students in the school system that come from households in which subjects about homosexuality remain taboo or are not discussed within a framework of mental health from professionals. MCPS can and should provide that education.
2. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination approach with respect to LGBTQ+ students and employees?
Discrimination in any form is unacceptable. Student learning can only take place when students feel safe in a welcoming environment. A code of conduct for students and employees that supports non-discriminating practices is necessary to create a functional working and learning environment.
3. SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ+ STUDENTS
What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020 and the recent ELA actions?
The introduction of the material was designed to add books that represent a segment of our society. No reasonable person would argue that the LGBTQ+ community isn't a part of that society. I have listened to several stakeholders associated with the Opt-Out controversy and fundamentally believe that MCPS has not found a reasonable balance with the Opt-Out policy. One group's gain shouldn't be at the expense of another group. There are two schools of thought on this issue and I believe that MCPS has the capacity to get to a better place by having a focus on reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations would allow for more space to be shared and hostility lessened. This conflict is creating a distraction to the real goal and that is to educate our students to be productive members of society.
4. SCHOOL NAMING
What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
I think it's great that the School System named a school after a civil rights champion.
5. ATTEMPTS TO BAR DISCUSSION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, OR GENDER EXPRESSION.
What is your view of these efforts? What do you think of Secretary Buttigieg’s perspective?
The implications of such laws and regulations would be counterproductive to the efforts of MCPS's goal of diversity, equity and inclusion. Secretary Buttigieg’s perspective on the "Don't say gay" legislation is spot on. I have personal friends that have had those thoughts due to feeling that they were not going to be accepted if they "came out of the closet."
6. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
[No response]
Melissa Kim
1. HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM
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 candidate for the Board of Education and as an individual, I strongly support and stand with the LGBTQ+ community. On this question specifically, I support the inclusion of information from mainstream American medical and mental health professional associations in the MCPS health education curriculum. I believe that such information is essential for providing accurate, evidence-based, and inclusive education to all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. I also think that such information can help foster a culture of respect, diversity, and acceptance in our schools and communities. I agree with the MCPS guidelines and regulations that prohibit discrimination and harassment based on personal characteristics, and I would work to ensure that they are implemented effectively. I would also support ongoing professional development for teachers and staff on how to support the needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ students and families in a sensitive, timely, and thoughtful manner. I believe that MCPS has a responsibility to educate the whole child, and that includes providing comprehensive and affirming education that promotes the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all students.
2. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination approach with respect to LGBTQ+ students and employees?
I believe that MCPS has a commendable anti-discrimination approach with respect to LGBTQ+ students and employees. The guidelines regarding student gender identity are comprehensive and thoughtful, and they address various aspects of the school environment, such as names and pronouns, access to facilities and activities, dress codes, privacy, and staff training. I think that MCPS is setting an example for other school districts in embracing diversity and equity among its students and staff and helping to educate through shared terms practices. Still, I know of students who do not yet feel safe to express their full identity at school so we have more work to do. I expect that MCPS will have to continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of its policies and practices, and seek feedback from the LGBTQ+ community and other stakeholders and refresh training annually to ensure that our LGBTQ+ community feels a strong sense of belonging in our schools.
3. SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ+ STUDENTS
What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020 and the recent ELA actions?
I emphatically support the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer characters in books our children read. The LGBTQ+ community has not be represented in books and learning material for far too long. As an Asian American student, I did not have access to books with charters that looked like me and my family growing up and I know the impact that had on me. As a parent I would love to push for more books with characters that represent my Asian child for their learning as well as the learning of every other child so that there is a better understanding of multiple cultures and ways of being. Similarly, I will support MCPS curriculum to evolve to be more and more inclusive of the diversity and beauty of our community - including of course the LGBTQ+ not just for the students who identify as LGBTQ+ but also for the students who stand to benefit from learning about and relating to characters and people who are different from them.
4. SCHOOL NAMING
What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
Great! I am in full support! Let’s build a world where Bayard Rustin is not the only school representing gay leaders who made big impacts in our community.
5. ATTEMPTS TO BAR DISCUSSION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, OR GENDER EXPRESSION.
What is your view of these efforts? What do you think of Secretary Buttigieg’s perspective?
His perspectives reflect my own. Every kid deserve to feel like they belong in our school communities. It’s just that simple. No matter their race, ethnicity, home language, zip code, religion, physical appearance, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or the sexual orientation of their parents they deserved to be warmly embraced and supported at school.
6. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
I am a first generation, English-language learning, woman of color who is a mom to two children of color. I have first hand experience of how it feels to be seen as foreign, different, and less-than. As a result, I very much support the right to love who you want to love and to be who you want to be. As an educator I believe our job is to nurture and support every child to become the best version of who they authentically are through every age and stage of development. Our children need us to
We should not forget that our society has only recently become more accepting and supportive of our LGBTQ+ community. There is so much more to be done. I hope we can enhance our ability to share and teach our communities about the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community faces and find more ways to empathize and create supportive spaces for our community.
Jonathan Long
1. HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM
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 the inclusion of information from mainstream American medical and mental health professional associations in the MCPS health education curriculum.
2. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination approach with respect to LGBTQ+ students and employees?
I support MCPS’s anti-discrimination approach with respect to LGBTQ+ students and employees. We need to demonstrate mutual respect for others without regard to an individual’s actual or perceived personal characteristics, including gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and family or parental status.
3. SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ+ STUDENTS
What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020 and the recent ELA actions?
Similar disagreements have arisen periodically in American history. There was the Scopes Trial in 1925. There was Brown vs Board of Education in 1954. Public schools do not have an obligation to shield students from ideas that do not agree with their religion or social preferences. A curriculum that includes books with LGBTQ characters promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and reduces discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ community. This is an appropriate and desirable objective. The District Court and 18 Attorney’s General agree with MCPS’s position on the matter. I also agree with MCPS’s position.
4. SCHOOL NAMING
What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
I support the Board of Education’s decision to name the new Richard Montgomery Cluster Elementary School after Bayard Rustin.
5. ATTEMPTS TO BAR DISCUSSION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, OR GENDER EXPRESSION.
What is your view of these efforts? What do you think of Secretary Buttigieg’s perspective?
I had a teacher in middle school, Mr. Walt. At the end of the day on Friday he would answer any one question you asked him. Everyone wrote down a question and dropped it in a box that was passed around. At the start of the year, students would laugh and ask provocative questions that they thought he would embarrass him or that they thought he would have to decline to answer. He answered every question with sincerity. When he started his answer, everyone laughed. But, by the time he finished his answer, half the kids realized that they didn’t know the answer before he provided the answer. It didn’t take long for everyone to settle down and ask sincere questions.
That still impresses me today. Kids need to be comfortable asking questions and having conversations about topics that, in the beginning, may make some people uncomfortable. It’s not only important for kids to have straightforward answers. It’s important that they learn to ask questions and discuss topics in a sincere search for understanding.
This is particularly true for LGBTQ youth who often feel a profound sense of isolation in the community generally, but also within their own family and peer group. Because of this, and as Secretary Buttigieg recently said, Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill and similar laws, "could lead to an increase in suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among LGBTQ youth."
So, I oppose “Don’t Say Gay” and “Don’t Say They” laws. I support providing a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students, free from discrimination, bullying, and harassment.
6. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
[No response]
Fitzgerald Mofor
1. HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM
What is your position on the inclusion of information from mainstream American medical and mental health professional associations in the MCPS health education curriculum?
The health education curriculum should include information provided by mainstream mental health professionals. Understanding human sexuality and behavior is an essential component of health education. While teachers can choose course materials, MCPS needs to be fully transparent and inform parents about the materials used. Even though parents have the option to opt out of the Family Life and Human Sexuality curriculum, it is still essential to notify parents to restore their overall confidence in MCPS regarding transparency on key curriculums.
2. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination approach with respect to LGBTQ+ students and employees?
I fully support MCPS's zero-tolerance policy against discrimination of any kind, including against African Americans, Jews, Latinos, White Americans, and LGBTQ+ students and employees. Montgomery County Public Schools has a responsibility to ensure the safety of each student and employee. Every individual, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality, has the right to receive an education in an environment free of hate and discrimination.
3. SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ+ STUDENTS
What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020 and the recent ELA actions?
When I attended Montgomery County Public Schools, it was clear that students, parents, and staff valued diversity and were receptive toward LGBTQ+ communities. Everyone deserves equal rights, and that includes members of the LGBTQ+ community. I fully support Montgomery County Public Schools' zero-tolerance policy towards hate and discrimination. However, I also believe that we need to show the same respect towards religious families. It's important to note that calling for the removal of the Inclusive curriculum is wrong and lacks cultural sensitivity. Instead, I believe that MCPS should offer parents the option to choose whether they want their children to participate in this curriculum. If the curriculum includes LGBTQ+ studies, it should be part of the Family Life and Human Sexuality curriculum, not the English Language Arts curriculum. Additionally, parents should be notified when certain materials are being taught. As parents are paying for education through taxes, they should have a say in what their children are taught.
4. SCHOOL NAMING
What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
I have no objections to the new elementary school being named after an African American civil rights activist. African American civil rights activists have made many sacrifices to ensure the affirmation of our constitutional rights. However, I urge MCPS to not only commemorate such heroes but also ensure that minority students perform at the same rates as their peers. 87% of students at Harriet Tubman Elementary School are minorities, yet only 29% are proficient in English Language Arts (ELA). It is important to commemorate abolitionists like Harriet Tubman and civil rights heroes like Bayard Rustin for their valiant achievements. However, we need to ensure that African American and Latino students receive equal educational opportunities and competency. This will require additional funding in the operating budget for para-educators and contractual agreements with non-governmental agencies that provide literacy coaches.
5. ATTEMPTS TO BAR DISCUSSION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, OR GENDER EXPRESSION.
What is your view of these efforts? What do you think of Secretary Buttigieg’s perspective?
We must always show love and respect towards our students who are from historically marginalized communities and those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is important to avoid any kind of partisan extremism, especially in the context of education, as it can make these children feel isolated and lead to an increased sense of anxiety and depression. I strongly disavow such behavior and believe that all children should be welcomed into our educational system.
6. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
[No response]
Rita Montoya
1. HEALTH EDUCATION CURRICULUM
What is your position on the inclusion of information from mainstream American medical and mental health professional associations in the MCPS health education curriculum?
Generally, professional associations are seen as the collective, experience
and researched-based voice of professionals in that industry. Incorporating
information from mainstream American medical and and mental health
professional associations can help schools and community members to
accept that, for example, being gay is not a mental illness or something that
“needs to be fixed.” Providing educators with mainstream professional
association publications as resources, rather than scripted materials,provides educators with the flexibility they need to engage with students.
Still, I believe that information relied upon should be up-to-date. For
example, the American Psychological Association’s “LGBTQ Resources
and Publications” was published in 2008. The publication referenced in the
call of the question (“Answers to your Questions…”) is also from 2008 and
a quick glance at the APA’s “LGBTQ Resources and Publications” webpage
provides another outdated (2008) document described as a “Modular
Lesson Plan/Teaching Resource for High School Psychology Teachers.”
The report by the Just the Facts Coalition—an amalgam of child/student-
centered professional organizations—is similarly dated. While I am not a
psychologist, I would be surprised to hear that absolutely nothing has
changed since 2008 such that updated publications are not warranted. As a
parent, I hope that curriculum choice in any area is based on up-to-date
information, programs and methods. Students are at a disservice and even
potentially harmed when the information they receive is not up-to-date. I
also am wondering if educators feel adequately resourced. I could not find
any data from educators and school administrators in this area.
2. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination approach with respect to LGBTQ+ students and employees?
MCPS must be a safe space for all students and employees and MCPS
policies and guidelines should be in alignment. MCPS’ written anti-
discrimination approach—which calls for treating others with mutual respect
— is in alignment. I would like to know if students and employees feel it.
3. SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ+ STUDENTS
What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020 and the recent ELA actions?
I am generally supportive of the ELA initiatives. I do think there was a
misstep in the implementation in that the parent/caregiver input process
changed after its initial implementation. I also reviewed book selection
comments by school administrators and am wondering if those were
reviewed and discussed prior to implementation. As with other curriculum
initiatives, I am interested to know how administrators, teachers and
students feel about the implementation of these initiatives as well as any
feedback and suggestions.
4. SCHOOL NAMING
What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
I think Bayard Rustin is a great person to name a MCPS elementary school
after. It is important for our school system, including school names, to
reflect the diversity of our community.
5. ATTEMPTS TO BAR DISCUSSION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, OR GENDER EXPRESSION.
What is your view of these efforts? What do you think of Secretary Buttigieg’s perspective?
I believe that prohibiting discussion or even the mention of sexual
orientation, gender identity, or gender expression could harm children who
seek to discuss or mention it. For example, they may feel silenced during
class discussion or as if they or their family do not belong. Even every day
conversations such as how they spent the weekend with their family or
family invitations to school events would seem to subject a student or
employee to negative consequences if they mentioned their same sex
spouse or parents.
6. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
I invite you to visit my website: montoya4mcps.com.
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