Metro DC PFLAG Montgomery County (MD) District 4 BOE Candidate Questionnaire Answers
Metro DC PFLAG Montgomery County (MD) District 4 BOE Candidate Questionnaire Answers
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 2024 candidates for the Board of Education. Scroll down for the answers provided by District 4 Board of Education Candidates, in alphabetical order, Shebra Evans and Laura Stewart. Candidate Bethany Mandel did not submit any responses. (Answers from the At-Large and District 2 candidates may be found here and here.) For those seeking more context, I suggest checking out the links provided in the Questionnaire itself.
NOTE: In the May 14 primary election, the top two vote-getters move on to the general election in November. Voters may vote in all the contests, regardless of where in the County they live.
David S. Fishback, Co-Chair for Maryland Advocacy
Metro DC Chapter of PFLAG
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
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:
SHEBRA EVANS
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 continue to support the inclusion 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?
In Board Policy ACA: Nondiscrimination, Equity and Cultural Proficiency is the commitment that every student and staff will be given the opportunity to succeed without regard to actual or perceived personal characteristics. We have a commitment to increase the diversity of the MCPS workforce. All that being said, there is no doubt that more can and should be done. The MCPS Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs, in coordination with the Equity Initiatives Unit reviewed what we teach, and how we teach it, to improve what instruction all students receive. The Anti-Racist System Audit was announced at the July 14thboard meeting with my full support. It was important to conduct the audit because of the existing disparities in reading levels, participation in higher-level classes, graduation rates, staffing, etc. The audit has resulted in an action plan that will remove barriers for students and staff in the following areas: School Culture, Workforce Diversity, Work Conditions, PreK-12 Curriculum, Community Relations and Engagement and Equity of Access.
3. SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ+ STUDENTS
What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020 and the recent ELA actions?
As a sitting school board member, I voted to support the initiatives announced in February 2020 and voted on the new curriculum adopted in February of 2019. The board doubled down and ensured there was more inclusive text as promised at the onset of adopting the new curriculum. I believe it is important for students to see a reflection of themselves in the curriculum.
4. SCHOOL NAMING
What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
I supported and voted to name the Rockville elementary school after Bayard Rustin. It’s another way to honor the achievements of individuals that have made large contributions to society. In this instance, Bayard Rustin was a prominent leader for civil and gay rights.
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?
My deep commitment to equity and excellence does not align with the efforts mentioned above. I support the comments of Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. During my time on the board, I have supported and voted on initiatives that promote the social emotional and psychological health and well being of our students and staff. Programs are in place that help students become aware of and learn to understand and manage their emotions.
6. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
I'm committed to ensuring our students receive a high quality education and believe that commitment requires a proven track record to get the job done. I have successfully collaborated with my colleagues over the years, worked with partners at the various levels of government and devoted my time locally and at the state level to address the inequities that have disadvantaged students for far too long. The race for excellence has no finish line and my commitment has me seeking re-election.Elected to the School Board in November 2016. Served two consecutive terms as the Board President and twice as Vice President. Chairing the Board’s Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Committee, serving on Strategic Planning and Policy. At the state level, treasurer for MABE, Current chair of MABE’s Educational Equity Committee and on Policies and Procedures. Prior to serving on the school board, I was a passionate advocate and activist for public education serving in numerous volunteer leadership roles with Montgomery County Council of PTAs (MCCPTA), and various other workgroups. I believe my experience coupled with my leadership will be an asset.
LAURA STEWART
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?
It is critical that MCPS include information from mainstream American medical and mental health professional associations. Education should be based on the most up-to-date information and research that informs these association’s recommendations. The Board of Education should periodically review and update policies based on best practices. At times, there are pressures to remove or stop content that some people find objectionable. As long as the content is vetted and upholds the tenets of the most recent research, the board should avoid the culture wars and move forward in the best interest of students.
2. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination approach with respect to LGBTQ+ students and employees?
The approach in the above guideline is correct. All students and employees must be free to be themselves without fear of discrimination or their safety. This approach includes using a student’s chosen pronouns. It has been shown that honoring a person’s identity by using their correct pronouns is important to their mental health as described in this document. I also support using the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) policies and guidelines in the anti-discrimination policies for athletics. The Department of Human Resources and Development must also uphold the anti-discrimination of employees.
3. SUPPORT FOR LGBTQ+ STUDENTS
What is your view of the initiatives announced in February 2020 and the recent ELA actions?
I absolutely agree with the initiatives to ensure that MCPS ELA, core curricula, supplements, and media collections are inclusive. I am a founding member of the Coalition for Inclusive Schools and Communities, formed to support MCPS’s position that there should not be an opt out policy for approved curriculum and books. We gathered over 3,000 signatures from Montgomery County stating that children should be able to see themselves and others in curricula. Allowing opt outs would lead to children leaving the classroom during science, language arts, and social studies, creating a chaotic classroom environment. Please see this op-ed I co-wrote as well.
I also support initiatives to increase community and student engagement, enhance professional development, and promote inclusive school cultures, including increasing access to gender neutral bathrooms.
4. SCHOOL NAMING
What is your view of the naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School?
The naming of Bayard Rustin Elementary School was a cause for celebration. It is important that LGBTQ kids and families see role models in society. As a society we should hold up our diverse members as role models that are different from our own identities as well. MCPS was correct by naming a school after an important figure in the LGBTQ 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 agree with Secretary Buttigieg’s perspective that “don’t say gay” and “don’t say they” laws are dangerous to children who are in the LGBTQ community. It is damaging to children if you don’t acknowledge their lived experience, increasing the risk of suicide due to the stigma associated with LGBTQ lifestyles when “don’t say gay” laws are passed. As a member of the Board of Education, I will resist any pressure to implement similar harmful laws in the guise of “parental rights.”
6. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO.
As a member of the Board of Education, I will be a strong proponent of inclusive schools. I helped author a petition supporting the MCPS opt out policy and I championed a state-wide PTA resolution supporting inclusive books and media. The stigma surrounding sexual identity and gender has increased, as demonstrated by anti-gay laws. It is not enough to merely reject such laws, but to actively become more inclusive.