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Community member warns board restorative-justice policies reduce school discipline, cites state legislation
Summary
A community speaker told the board he believes district restorative-justice approaches and a 2022 state bill limiting some school law-enforcement responses have weakened school safety; he urged parents to research policies and protect their children.
A member of the public told the Charles County school board he is concerned district restorative-justice practices and recent state policy changes have reduced the district’s ability to discipline and remove dangerous students from school.
Douglas Paul addressed the board during the public forum and said the district "prioritizes restorative justice over traditional discipline" and that he believes that approach, combined with a 2022 state bill that he said limited law-enforcement capabilities in schools, has left schools vulnerable. "It is not about the small percentage," Paul said, arguing the consequences of a violent incident could affect many students.
Paul recounted an example he said he had been told about: a student who allegedly threatened classmates and returned to class carrying a backpack the next day; Paul said teachers' reports about misconduct sometimes meet resistance and that staff lack "anonymous protections for teachers" when reporting incidents.
Paul urged parents to research district policy and take steps to protect their children. He also noted recent Maryland legislation that, he said, allows school boards to be sued and argued parents should not rely on the board to change course.
The board did not respond during the public forum; district staff are permitted to follow up with speakers when appropriate.
