FCPS’s proposed policy, designed to combat racism continues to focus heavily on the controversial use of “anti-racism” terminology and concepts, which unquestionably align with the concepts of CRT (see previous articles FCPS Is Integrating Equity and Anti-Racism Principles Despite Its Many Problems and How Is Being an Antiracist Different Than Being Against Racism? for an explanation of how).

The course framework presented to Maryland school districts by the state department of education (MSDE) and approved by the BOE specifies standards for the introduction of gender identity and gender expression into the elementary school Health programs.

Here are our questions for candidates that can help the voters assess who is aligned with their own beliefs and positions. They cover academics, transparency, accountability, gender identity, CRT and access to public documents.

We met with Dr. Kevin Cuppett, the Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation at FCPS on September 2 to discuss the process of curriculum development, the potential weaknesses in transparency for parents in that process, and the textbook approval process.

The committee structure, the BOE/community interaction, the ability of the community to obtain information from the FCPS, and FCPS policies put parents at a disadvantage.

Earlier this year the state confirmed that failure to comply with the new standards related to Family Life and Human Sexuality, which include the introduction of gender identity concepts into the elementary school classrooms, could result in a loss of state funding, placing financial pressure on the FCPS to comply.