MD Governor Moore Signs Laws Promoting Inclusive Learning in Schools

For Immediate Release: April 25, 2024

Contact: press@glsen.org

 

GLSEN Applauds Maryland Governor Wes Moore for Signing the "Freedom to Read Act" and Anti-Bias School Employee Training Bill Into State Law

 

April 25, 2024 – GLSEN, the leading national non-profit working to support LGBTQ+ youth in K-12 schools, applauds Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D) for signing HB785, the “Freedom to Read Act,” and HB1386, a bill mandating anti-bias training for all school employees, into state law. Based on decades of research, GLSEN has long recommended school-based interventions to support the academic success and overall well-being of LGBTQI+ youth. These bills advance and address two of GLSEN’s Four Supports, inclusive learning and supportive educators. When these supports are in place, LGBTQ students experience less harassment and discrimination, do better in school, report improved mental health outcomes, and experience a greater sense of belonging in their school and community.

GLSEN’s Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers (they/she) provided the following statement in support of the changes:

“With Governor Moore's signature on HB785, the 'Freedom to Read Act,' and HB1386, instituting vital anti-bias training for school employees, Maryland takes a bold step forward in safeguarding the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth and educators. Schools should be working to build inclusive environments that reflect the diversity of their student body and community. It is especially critical that state leaders like Governor Moore rise up for policies that foster inclusive learning when resources and supports for LGBTQI+ youth continue to be targeted by extremists across the country. GLSEN applauds this pivotal moment and urges continued dedication from state leaders to ensure every student feels valued, affirmed, and safe in their learning environment."

Last year, 148 books were challenged in both public schools and libraries across Maryland, making the state one of 17 in the nation to surpass 100 disputed titles. Last fall, GLSEN  stood with other LGBTQI+ organizations in filing an amicus brief in a Fourth Circuit case that considers whether Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) can prohibit parents from seeking an exemption from the English Language Arts curriculum when classes include books that feature LGBTQI+ characters.   

Through Gov. Moore’s signing of HB785, Maryland now joins a growing number of states that have enacted laws prohibiting book banning and strengthening culturally competent professional development trainings for educators. As a result of Gov. Moore’s monumental decision to Rise Up and Take Action, LGBTQ+ students and educators in Maryland will now receive the following protections:

HB785 the “Freedom to Read Act”:

  • Prohibits libraries that receive state funding from banning books because of the origin, background, or views of a person who created the material, or partisan or doctrinal disapproval
  • Protects school and public library employees from being retaliated against for following state library standards that are laid out in the bill
  • Prohibits the removal of library materials, books and other resources based on an author or creator’s background, origin, or opinions
  • Outlines that a library should not prohibit or remove materials from its catalog “because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval”
  • Libraries will now risk losing state funding for violating the legislation

HB1386, School Employee Anti-Bias Training:

  • Requires the State Department of Education, in consultation with the Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board, to develop guidelines for an anti-bias training program for all school employees
  • Guidelines are expected to be inclusive and culturally responsive to the needs of educators and students
  • Requires school boards to train public school employees whose job duties include frequent interaction with students


For press inquiries, please reach out to:

Mark Umbach, Lucky Break PR
mark@luckybreakpr.com
 
//
 
ABOUT GLSEN

GLSEN is a multi-racial intergenerational LGBTQ+ organization working nationally and locally to transform K-12 educational systems in the United States. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach millions of students and educators in K-12 schools, via action at the national, state, and local level. Since 1990, GLSEN has improved conditions for LGBTQ+ students across the United States and helped launch an international movement to address LGBTQ+ issues in education.