Dozens of residents and Washington County educators urged the Washington County Board of Education on Oct. 21 to remove or censure board member Mike Gessford after a social media comment in which he wrote “we should protest” in response to a post about an open house at a local mosque.

The calls for action came during the meeting’s public-comment period, when speakers described the post as religiously bigoted and inappropriate for an elected official who helps oversee schools attended by Muslim students. Dave Williams, a public speaker, said: "Mr. Gessford has crossed the line and must resign or be removed." Jeanne Massey, a former WCPS teacher, told the board to "expel the offending member," saying the post broke the public trust.

The controversy centered on a social media remark by board member Mike Gessford and the question of whether his statement violated the standards for elected officials. At the meeting Gessford spoke directly to attendees and acknowledged the backlash. "Nowhere did I go and say, you should go protest at the mosque or protest with yard signs or harass the participants attending the open house," he said, adding that he had met with leaders of the mosque and that "it was not my intentions, and I do apologize." He also said he would leave his fate to voters: "If the day comes where the citizens tell me, you are not needed to serve any longer. I will not take it personally."

Speakers urged concrete action from the board. Carlos Malat submitted a petition and said he had collected 382 signatures asking the board to respond. Carol Mallon, president of the Washington County Teachers Association, and several other education leaders asked the board to reassert commitments to inclusion and safety for all students. Some speakers emphasized that elected officials should be held to a higher standard; others urged forgiveness if sincere apologies and community engagement followed.

Board leaders and other members addressed the room following public comment. President Zentmayer and Superintendent Dr. Savine both urged respect and said the system serves all students regardless of background. A few board members said Gessford’s meeting with mosque leaders and his apology addressed their concerns; others who had called publicly for action reiterated their belief that stronger accountability would be appropriate. The board did not take a formal censure vote or other disciplinary action during the meeting.

No formal disciplinary motion was introduced or voted on at the Oct. 21 business meeting. Several public speakers asked the board to place censure, removal, or resignation on a future agenda; the board did not announce a specific follow-up date for those requests by the end of the session.

The episode drew extended public attention at the meeting and underscored tensions between free-speech protections and the responsibilities of elected school officials. Several speakers urged continued dialogue between elected leaders and affected community groups; Gessford said he had met with local Muslim leaders to discuss concerns and that he would accept the outcome of the next election.

The board’s next business meetings are scheduled for Nov. 18 and Dec. 9; members of the public who wish to submit comments on this or any agenda item were reminded that the board accepts emailed feedback at boe@wcps.k12.md.us and that comments submitted before subsequent meetings will be included in the public record.