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Maryland LGBTQIA+ Commission approves Inclusive Schools Statement amid real-time edits
Summary
The Commission edited and approved an Inclusive Schools Statement drafted by Commissioner Brandon Russell; the motion (moved by Commissioner Asher Kennedy, seconded by Russell) passed with one abstention from Commissioner Ly Xīnzhèn Zhǎngsūn. The meeting also approved the agenda (one abstention) and the November minutes (unanimous consent).
Commissioners edited and approved an Inclusive Schools Statement during the Jan. 12 meeting. Commissioner Brandon Russell presented a draft, the Commission revised language in real time, and Commissioner Asher Kennedy moved to approve the statement. Commissioner Russell seconded the motion; the statement passed with one abstention from Commissioner Ly Xīnzhèn Zhǎngsūn.
Procedural votes at the meeting included approval of the meeting agenda (motion by Commissioner Debb Dunn, seconded by Commissioner Joan Bryan) with one abstention from Commissioner Zhǎngsūn, and unanimous consent to approve the Nov. 10, 2025 meeting minutes.
Why it matters: the Inclusive Schools Statement reflects the Commission’s public posture on school inclusivity and may inform testimony, advocacy, and forthcoming student-support recommendations. The Commission also set a timeline for an expanded student-support report (15 pages) to return for consideration at the February meeting.
Chair Lee Blinder opened and closed the meeting with remarks about the political and social climate facing LGBTQI+ communities and emphasized collective care and continued advocacy. Director Jeremy Browning reminded commissioners about administrative deadlines, including 2025 financial disclosures due April 30, 2026, and previewed a summer strategic planning retreat.
Votes at a glance: - Agenda approval: motion by Commissioner Debb Dunn; seconded by Commissioner Joan Bryan; outcome: approved; abstentions: Ly Xīnzhèn Zhǎngsūn. - November 10, 2025 minutes: outcome: approved by unanimous consent. - Inclusive Schools Statement: motion by Commissioner Asher Kennedy; seconded by Commissioner Brandon Russell; outcome: approved; abstentions: Ly Xīnzhèn Zhǎngsūn.
The Commission requested feedback on the expanded student-support report within two weeks; the full report will be considered in February.
