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To the FCPS community,
It has been an extremely painful 48 hours for the Frederick County community, particularly for our Black/Brown community members. The appalling social media post containing hate speech and the threat of violence toward Black students has frightened, saddened and angered our entire community. This behavior by a few is not representative of the community that we aspire to be and become.
The social media post prompted a collaborative investigation between Frederick County Public Schools and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. Through this joint investigation, it was confirmed that the social media post involved Middletown Middle students and was started on one media platform and then shared on multiple platforms.
The individuals responsible for posting these photos and messages have been charged by the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, FCPS will be administering disciplinary consequences for these behaviors because they have had a significant impact on Middletown Middle School as well as our entire school community. FCPS will respond to hate speech, threats of violence and discrimination with severe disciplinary consequences.
During last night’s Board of Education of Frederick County meeting, Board members shared their feelings related to this social media post. They expressed anger, hurt and disappointment. Our Frederick County community has responded with strong and similar feelings.
As a lifelong Frederick County resident, I share their sentiments: Racism has no place in our community, nor in our schools. It must unequivocally stop.
We have initiated actions to support our Middletown Middle School community. Central Office Employees were immediately deployed to address the social emotional needs of our students and employees stemming from this incident. These supports will continue to be present until we restore a sense of stability, safety and comfort.
FCPS is committed to cultivating a culture that is welcoming and inclusive for all. This incident demonstrates our need to continue our unrelenting efforts to foster this environment.
This year, FCPS and law enforcement have responded to many social media threats across the county. This recent incident is especially egregious because of the hate speech and images depicted in the post. My top priority for the school system is the safety and welfare of all students and staff. All social media threats will be investigated and, if warranted, will be met with severe consequences.
Once again, I am sincerely asking all of our community members for their help. Please speak to students about the importance of the appropriate use of social media and the significant implications of threats of any kind. We take them all extremely seriously.
I appreciate your support as we continue working together to ensure that our schools remain welcoming, inclusive and safe for learning for everyone.
Thank you, Mike Markoe Interim Superintendent