1. Do you support the policy that requires all HCPSS schools to allow transgender students to use restrooms and changing facilities based on their identified gender? Please explain your answer.

I support neutral bathrooms for transgender students and any other student who feels they prefer a neutral bathroom.

2. Would you support a policy that requires HCPSS staff and non-official documents to use the name and pronouns that a student requests? Please explain your answer.

I support a policy that requests HCPSS staff and non-official documents to use the name and pronouns that a student requests with notice to parents.

3. To what age groups (if any) is it appropriate for teachers and other staff members to disclose to students that they have LGBTQ family members or are involved in a same-sex relationship?

Teachers can do an amazing job with their students without sharing their personal lives. They can add so much to a student by staying on message with the course requirements.

4. Should curriculum be revised to include reference to LGBTQ individuals, including the fact or possibility that the individuals were LGBTQ identified. If yes, what (if any) is the minimum grade level at which these changes should be made? Please explain your answer.

I support reference to LGBTQ curriculum beginning in high school with a review process of the materials. Parents should have the option to opt out without penalty to their children if they disagree for religious or other reasons.

5. Would you like to see LGBTQ themed works of literature, art, and media be introduced into the curriculum, and if yes, what (if any) is the minimum grade level at which this should be done? Please explain your answer.

I support reference to LGBTQ literature, art and media beginning in high school with a review process of the materials. Parents should have the option to opt out without penalty to their children if they disagree for religious or other reasons.

6. How should the school system provide more education to parents/guardians with regard to understanding and supporting LGBTQ youth? How should HCPSS reach out to parents/guardians who are unsupportive of their children’s LGBTQ identities?

I respectfully encourage a school system not to take on the role and responsibility of parents/guardians. However, if parents/guardians ask for assistance with this issue, the counselors can provide information and contacts available to educate parents/guardians.

7. What accommodations should be made for transgender students participating in athletics organized by the school system? Which policies should be revised to reflect these accommodations?

Neutral dressing/bathing facilities should be available to transgender students participating in school sponsored athletic programs. Any student who wishes to use these same facilities should be welcomed to do so.

8. Should HCPSS make sure schools offer access to LGBTQ student clubs like GSAs to their students? At what levels (High? Middle? Elementary?) should this happen? Please explain your answer.

All schools, elementary, middle and high schools should offer access to LGBTQ student clubs.

9. Do you support the creation and funding of an LGBTQ initiatives specialist role within HCPSS? Such a role would be responsible for coordinating and developing policies and programs in support of LGBTQ students and staff within HCPSS. Please explain your answer.

I would not support adding this position at this time. There is adequate activity within the system currently.

10. What changes would you like to see made to the way HCPSS handles identification, reporting, interventions, and prevention of bullying?

HCPSS has an adequate policy that covers Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment and Intimidation that is analyzed annually. This covers all students, employees, etc.

11. What measures should the school system take to prevent suicide among the student body?

Howard County has resources for mental health and crisis intervention. This information should be visibly available for easy access should anyone need the intervention or know someone who does. Health classes at an appropriate age can remind students to ask for help if they or someone they know is in crisis.

12. HCPSS has a very diverse student population with regard to race, ethnicity, country of origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, disability, family structure, etc. What roles do you think these cross identities should play in the school system’s policies and practices in supporting LGBTQ students?

The diversity of Howard County is truly wonderful. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies are adequate to support all students. Keeping the focus on education in a safe environment.