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Residents Debate Canceled Teen Sex‑Education Workshop at St. Mary’s County Libraries
Summary
A large public forum in St. Mary's County split residents over a canceled teen sexual‑education workshop; Library Director Michael Blackwell apologized for marketing missteps, said he canceled the program, and warned that bond funding for a new Leonardtown library and Garvey Senior Activity Center is at risk.
A packed public forum in Leonardtown on March 8 drew speakers on both sides of a dispute over a cancelled teen sexual‑education workshop the county library had planned.
Michael Blackwell, director of St. Mary’s County Library, apologized for how the program was marketed and said he cancelled it himself, not at the direction of county commissioners. "I apologize for that," Blackwell said, adding, "we weren't bringing strippers to the library." He also told the audience the commissioners do not set library programming: that authority rests with the library board and the director.
Supporters of the program said the instructor had required parental waivers for teen workshops and that the cancellation denied families an option. Samantha McGuire, who spoke on behalf of the presenter, said the instructor "assured me that all of her workshops that involve teens are required to have a parental waiver," and called the removal of the workshop a loss for teens who need a safe space to ask questions.
Opponents said the library is not the appropriate venue for age‑sensitive sexual‑education for 12‑ to 17‑year‑olds, questioned the presenter's credentials and raised concerns about promotion and sponsors. John Mountjoy noted promotional material tied to the sponsor Good Clean Love and said parental controls should be required.
Several faith leaders and parents framed the debate around parental authority and community values. Pastor Larry Crabtree commended Blackwell personally but said the statistics and goals behind comprehensive programs should be closely examined. Others urged the county to require parental opt‑in permission and stronger vetting of presenters.
The library director also warned that the county's library and senior center projects face a funding threat in Annapolis. He said the library project has already spent about $1 million and that losing state bond support would jeopardize work on the Leonardtown library and Garvey Senior Activity Center.
The forum did not produce a commission vote or formal directive. Commissioners thanked residents for their input and closed the public forum, saying they would consider the comments as they move forward with related budget and delegation outreach.
