Resolution Could Give Excused Absences For Political Engagement

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Montgomery County Public Schools' board of education is moving forward with resolution that would allow students to receive excused absences for their involvement in civic engagement activities.

The resolution, if passed, allow students up to three absences each year as long as they meet a series of criteria, including an agreement between the school and the organization sponsoring the engagement event.

The goal of the resolution is to "ensure that the employees and students of the MCPS are well informed and guided in their activities regarding the requirements of state election laws and their participation in civic engagement activities, political campaigns, partisan election activities, and distribution of political or partisan materials."

MCPS Superintendent Jack R. Smith wrote in a February letter to parents that the district "strongly supports students who engage in the civic process and share thoughts on the issues they are passionate about."

As it stands, the resolution would permit students in grades 9-12 to engage in campaign activity only during a two-week period immediately prior to a primary or general election.

Before students are considered eligible, they must meet a series of criteria including:

• Written parent/guardian consent
• Agreement of a representative of the sponsoring organization
• Written approval of the principal to ensure compliance with Board policiesand MCPS regulations.

“This is not meant to be disruptive,” Board of Education Member Patricia O’Neill told Montgomery County Media. “This is to maintain an orderly running of the school system to enable students to participate in civic engagement opportunities with parent permission.”

The public has 30 days to weigh in on the resolution before any action is taken.

You can read the proposed resolution in full here.

Image via Montgomery County Media