Charles County Public Schools Responds To NAACP Release

Dear NAACP Executive Committee Members: 

“Thank you for your continued support of Charles County Public Schools and the Board of Education of Charles County. I am reaching out in response to the March 8 NAACP press release outlining concerns related to the Charles County Public Schools Employee Handbook and policies related to the prevention of discrimination.  

While the bulk of the review and revision work related to the staff handbook fell to the Educational Equity Task Force, I do acknowledge that this work is long overdue and inexcusably delayed. I have taken recent action to expedite the revision and review process of the employee handbook. This work includes a revision to language about employee social media use (both for instructional and personal usage), use of derogatory language in the classroom, in lessons, assignments, etc. in which anyone in the community could find offensive, and expectations of employment for any person working for Charles County Public Schools.  

My goal is to have the handbook revisions complete by April 5. Staff from the Offices of Human Resources, Communications, School Administration and Leadership, and our staff attorney are currently reviewing the revisions to ensure the language added about discriminatory activities and social media is strong enough and clearly addresses these concerns. This date provides key staff members with time to review the revisions and determine whether additional updates are needed.  

Plans are underway for advanced training of staff related to not only the handbook revisions, but a review of conduct expectations for any employee hired by CCPS. While some of this work is covered during the onboarding process of any person hired by CCPS, I understand the need for targeted trainings related to professional conduct and racism/bias in the workplace. Our Safe Schools trainings include these topics and employees are required to complete them annually. However, I recognize that more impactful training is necessary. I am hoping to have details about such trainings ready soon and ask that somehow we partner together to make sure the shared concerns are covered.  

I agree with the concerns outlined in the release that this delayed action sends the wrong message about discrimination in schools. It is true that within the past two years, there have been reported racially charged incidents involving staff. The investigations into these incidents have been handled through the appropriate offices and with the support of outside agencies, when necessary. When an investigation results in the confirmation of wrongdoing or of malicious intent by staff, we work with our union leaders to address questions about termination.  

Some of the incidents have been shared through our See Something, Say Something reporting tool, which is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The tool does provide anonymity and is checked daily, Monday through Sunday. We will continue to encourage the community to use the tool to share any school system concerns that need to be looked into – for the betterment of all students and our staff. ” 

“Released on March 8, 2024, The Charles County Chapter of the NAACP (CCNAACP) is issuing this press release to express our profound disappointment and concern over several racially charged incidents that have been reported within the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) over the last two years. Despite repeated assurances and multiple meetings with the Charles County School Board administrators, our calls for significant policy reforms and the inclusion of explicit language in the employee handbook to address and prevent racism and discrimination have been met with inaction. 

It is disheartening to note that the CCPS employee handbook lacks the necessary language that would not only address instances of racism and discrimination but would also ensure the termination of any teacher, principal, or administrator found to have engaged in such reprehensible behaviors. The absence of such critical guidelines within the school system’s policy documents is not only alarming but also indicates a gross negligence in protecting our students from racially motivated harm and discrimination. 

The Charles County NAACP has patiently engaged with the Charles County School Board, hoping for a commitment to rectify these glaring policy oversights. However, despite being promised action, we find ourselves yet to witness any meaningful steps towards reform. This lack of action speaks volumes, highlighting a concerning indifference to fostering an educational environment where all students can learn free from racial prejudice and discrimination. 

Such inaction is unacceptable and betrays the trust of students, parents, and the community at large. It sends a dangerous message that racial discrimination and the safety of our children are not of paramount importance to those in positions of educational leadership within Charles County. 

Therefore, we urgently call upon the Charles County School Board to take immediate and decisive action by: 

1. Revising the CCPS employee handbook to include explicit language that directly addresses instances of racism and discrimination. 
2. Implementing clear policies that result in the immediate termination of any staff member found to have participated in racial or discriminatory behavior. 
3. Establishing a transparent and accessible system for reporting and addressing incidents of racism and discrimination within schools. 
4. The CCNAACP stands ready to work collaboratively with the Charles County School Board to usher in these critical changes. However, let it be known that we will not stand idly by while our children face an educational environment that does not prioritize their dignity, safety, and rights to an equal education. We demand action, accountability, and a commitment to racial justice within Charles County Public Schools, without further delay. 
5. The time for change is now. Our community deserves no less. 
6. Per CCNAACP President Dyotha Sweat, “To quote Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, ‘The time is always right to do what is right.’ The time has come for the Charles County Public School system to deliver on its promises to provide an educational environment free from the scourge of racism and discrimination for all students.” “