(BALTIMORE, MD, 5/4/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Montgomery County Muslim Council (MCMC) met earlier this week with representatives of Maryland’s Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) on behalf of thousands of parents and community members alarmed by the school system’s decision to rescind its opt-out and parental notification policies for recently introduced material that many find are age-inappropriate or conflict with their sincerely held religious beliefs.
During the meeting, CAIR and MCMC highlighted the need for MCPS to have greater transparency and increased dialogue directly with families, and strongly urged the school system to pay attention to mounting concerns and to restore its opt-out policy that previously permitted MCPS students to be excluded from K-12 readings, discussions and activities involving themes and topics related to sexual desire, expression, and relationships.
Following the meeting, MCPS officials are considering these concerns and reassessing its policies in consultation with their counsel and teachers, as well as potential trainings for teaching staff to uphold the rights of students and parents.
In a statement, CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“These conversations are an important step for seeking a positive outcome in response to concerns expressed by thousands of community members in Montgomery County who recognize the need for inclusion and tolerance, and who also want to maintain the right to have a say over when and how their children are exposed to material and curriculum content that many find age-inappropriate and objectionable.
“We understand the complexity and nuance of this issue and look forward to continued engagement with MCPS officials to protect religious freedom and ensure that the civil rights of all students and families are upheld while we work collaboratively to address the rise in hate and bias within our public school systems.”
CAIR’s petition to reinstate the opt-out policy has received over 1,200 signatures.
SEE: Over 1,000 Maryland Parents, Community Members Urge MCPS to Restore Curriculum Opt-Out Option and Parental Notice, Dialogue with Families
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/over-1000-maryland-parents-community-members-urge-mcps-to-restore-curriculum-opt-out-option-and-parental-notice-dialogue-with-families/
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La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, 410-971-6062, [email protected]; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected], CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]