FCPS Racial Equity Committee hears ICE guidance, HB1386 update, dress-code second-reading set for Feb. 12; adopts minutes and agendas

The Frederick County Public Schools Racial Equity Committee met Feb. 5 and heard updates on guidance for immigration enforcement in schools, the state anti-discrimination training requirement enacted by House Bill 1386, the district’s upcoming dress-code second reading and annual hiring report, and logistics for a countywide community forum and student events.

The meeting opened with a public comment from Patty Worsley, who said she has worked as a teacher and tutor and read passages from the Maryland Constitution and a thinking-skills book to the committee. "Don't be reasonable," Worsley said, urging careful consideration of facts rather than assumptions.

Committee members turned to policy and operational items. Ray Gallagher, president of the Board of Education and liaison for the meeting, said the school system has been in contact with the state-level ICE director, Chief Ellison, and relayed that the director "has now publicly stated that ICE will not be going into school." Gallagher said the district has asked for a written public statement from the ICE director and is monitoring developments at the federal level.

On operational guidance for schools, Gallagher said the district's current direction is…