Dear Baltimore City Public Schools team,
Earlier today, we sent a communication about civil discourse to our families. We also want to ensure we communicate directly with our staff on this crucial matter.
Baltimore City Public Schools is committed to ensuring all students, staff, and families feel a sense of belonging and community. By establishing these environments, we can encourage meaningful conversations about important issues that nurture respect, empathy, and critical thinking.
Our staff serve as trusted adults and play a critical role in supporting and encouraging these principles. They can guide discussions anchored in mutual respect, allowing students to express their opinions while learning to engage constructively with those who think differently. More than ever, we should take this opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with the school system's standards of civility and respect for proper expression.
Most critically, City Schools will remain vigilant and respond swiftly to any discrimination in our schools and central office, including acts by students or staff. Board Policies ACA and JBA prohibit acts of hate, violence, harassment, or retaliation by or against students, staff, or other community members. We all share the responsibility to uphold these standards. Hate speech, discrimination, personal attacks, or other forms of harassment or dehumanizing behavior will not be tolerated.
All staff are expected to interact and engage with students, families, colleagues, and community members professionally, respectfully, equitably, with the utmost integrity, and following all laws and City Schools rules regarding nondiscrimination.
Section 2 of our Employee Handbook emphasizes the importance of these points. All City Schools' staff must respect others' diverse interests, viewpoints, cultures, and backgrounds. Meanwhile, the section on Equitable and Fair Treatment underscores that point. Please review the entire chapter for rules on non-harassment, respecting religious diversity and LGBTQ+ rights, and the prohibition on involvement in political activities while on the job during work hours.
If you believe you are the victim of a hate-based incident, harassment, or any other form of discrimination, learn how to report it by visiting City Schools' Notice of Nondiscrimination and our Student and Staff Fair Practices pages on our website.
City Schools respect individuals' right to hold passionate positions and express themselves openly on various issues. We also expect all persons in our schools, offices, and instructional spaces to respect each other and not engage in any conduct that leaves another person harmed or devalued. Together, let's continue to be a shining example to our students and families of a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Thank you.