Cyberbullying Of Student Board Member Angers HCPSS Official

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Two Howard County Public School System parents, Traci Spiegel and Kimberly Ford, have filed a lawsuit aiming to remove the student school board member's right to vote on issues before the board. The lawsuit comes after the student school board member recently cast the key vote against returning to in-person classes.

According to The Baltimore Sun, the lawsuit states that "giving a high school student the right to vote on school board decisions violates Maryland's constitution because the student is not 18 years old" and isn't eligible to vote in elections or hold an elected office. Ford said the "dysfunction of the school board is not acceptable anymore." Ford said in a statement that she wants school leaders to create a plan that allows families to choose whether or not they return to school.

Howard County Public School System Superintendent Michael Martirano released a statement about the recent online treatment of the student member of the board.

"Recently my staff and I have witnessed online behavior and comments on social media that have propelled me to address a multitude of unconscionable acts of bullying by adults in our community. Litigation was issued against the board of education to eliminate the voting rights of the student member of the board, fueled by the disagreement of some with the results of recent board votes. The lawsuit will run its course through the legal system in due time; however, several adults in our community have felt empowered to harass, demean and aggressively bully our current student board member, Zach Koung, and I find these actions to be reprehensible.

"We, as Howard County residents, should be mortified that a community that prides itself on civility has neighbors that would stoop so low as to harass any person, but particularly a student in order to silence their voice. I admire the grace and class in which Zach has handled the public attacks that he has received, but it is my responsibility to act any time one of my students is attacked.

"The position of student member of the board is clearly established in state law and the Howard County student member of the board position has had voting rights since 2007. But now, because of policy disagreements, people feel empowered and justified to bully and eliminate the voice of a student simply to change the results of a democratic vote. I fully value the voice of our students and I have placed increased attention on enhancing the opportunities to encourage more students to express their opinions. The pinnacle of that voice and representation comes via the role of the student board member. That voice should not be squelched or silenced but enhanced and encouraged not just by me – but by all adults. As a staunch defender of students I will continue to speak out against those who are harassing our current student board member.

"I expect that my remarks today will ruffle some feathers and I encourage those who take exception to my words to look in the mirror and ask yourself why my defense of a student being bullied by adults would ever cause you concern. It is my job as superintendent to protect all of our students and I believe that I share that role with every adult in the community. In conclusion, I call on all members of our community – no matter your opinion of recent board votes – to lend your voice to mine and speak loudly against those who wish to do harm to a student. In this season of peace and goodwill, let us all reflect on how we can be better people now and in the new year. Our young people are watching and our actions should always speak louder than our words. We’re better than this. Don’t choose civility – practice it."