As you probably know, there has been a rise in hate speech and acts of hate throughout schools and communities in our country since the election. Even in our own community of Howard County there were multiple incidents of hate speech committed by students. You can read about them here:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/columbia/ph-ho-cf-election-effect-schools-1117-20161116-story.html

http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2016/11/don-look-away.html

We can’t look away and pretend this isn’t happening. These acts are a direct challenge to us as educators. In our role as educators, it is our obligation and moral duty to provide safe, loving, and caring spaces for kids to thrive, and learn.

On December 8th, HCEA is hosting a gathering for any educator concerned about the rise of hate speech since the election. Through structured dialogue we will try to make sense of these events and chart a course for educators to raise our voices in support of our students.