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Public commenters press board on religion, library books and Patriot program; board reiterates optional status
Summary
Multiple speakers urged changes to library materials, called for religious elements in schools, and defended or opposed the Patriot program. Board members said the Patriot program remains optional and asked school leaders to justify any future program terminations in public.
At the Feb. 10 meeting of the Board of Education of Harford County, six in-person public speakers urged the board to take action on school library materials, curriculum content and religious practice in schools. Speakers urged removing sexually explicit books, opposing “gender ideology” content, and requested more parental oversight; others argued for continued support for diversity, equity and inclusion and for protections for LGBTQ+ students.
Several speakers asked the board to reinstate or expand religious elements in schools; a number of commenters also asked for a financial audit of the school district. One speaker, Jacob Bennett, identified himself as a kindergarten teacher at Old Post Road and urged the board to keep the district’s history and budget context in mind when making staffing and budget decisions.
Board members responded during their comments by reiterating that the Patriot program is optional and decentralized per a prior resolution and by urging continued enforcement of existing policies, including cell-phone rules. President Boynton said the board will ask school leaders to appear before the board in public if a Patriot program site is terminated without clear cause, such as insufficient volunteers. Board members also encouraged public participation in upcoming advisory and budget forums.
