Antisemitic Incidents Prompt HCPSS Superintendent To Speak Out

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — After members of the local Jewish community and staff with the Howard County Public School System raised concerns about ongoing acts of antisemitism nationally and in the area, HCPSS Superintendent Michael Martirano decided to speak out Thursday.

He emphasized that the Howard County Public School System embraces all individuals no matter their religion, race, sexual orientation or any other characteristics that "make us both unique and part of wonderfully diverse communities within the larger Howard County community."

The most recent Audit of Antisemitic Incidents by the Anti-Defamation League shows an increase in antisemitic incidents both nationally and in the state of Maryland from 2020 to 2021. Last year, there were 55 such acts in Maryland.

"Unfortunately, the insensitive and inexplicable remarks of many influential and identifiable people in our society—and particularly on social media—amplify the types of dangerous rhetoric that we work so hard to eliminate in our county. I encourage families to continue to monitor the social media activity of your children to be sure that they are not being subjected to some of the hateful and dangerous perspectives that exist online," Martirano said.

The superintendent said it is important to acknowledge that hate and fear exist in the world and that schools and classrooms should be safe harbors for the kids.

"I will continually encourage everybody in our community to stand against those negative influencers and embody and model positivity and inclusivity through our actions. Our ability as a community to stand against hate and in kindness and friendship with our neighbors is our Howard County community’s greatest strength," he said. "If a student or staff member experiences or witnesses any act of hate or bullying in our school communities, I encourage you to report it immediately."

Students, staff and family members can report incidents of bullying on the HCPSS Stop Bullying website.