Anti-Hate Task Force Members Push for Better Education, More Reporting
Members of the six communities that make up the Montgomery County Anti-Hate Task Force presented their final reports.
www.mymcmedia.org
It seemed to go well;
Members of the African American/Black, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Jewish, Latino/Hispanic, LGBTQ+ and Muslim cohorts pushed for more educational programs. especially for those employed by Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), so they could better understand the history and culture of the various groups.
But deteriorated RAPIDLY.
“Everyone is really vulnerable, because everyone is experiencing hate,” said Council President Evan Glass, who created the Anti-Hate Task Force.
“The status quo is unexpectable. It is hurtful. It is harmful. It is detrimental,” he said at Tuesday’s meeting at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center. He praised task force members for having “courageous conversations.”
County Executive Marc Elrich addressed the group, noting the county has come a long way but still has far to go. In 1970, the county’s residents were 70% White and 4.5% Black. Now, they are 44% White, 19% Black and 22% Hispanic, he said."
Ummm...
"Ron White, from the African American/Black cohort, said, “We are in a state of emergency, feeling the wrath of hate.” He noted that Black churches have been vandalized and that Black MCPS students have the highest rates of suspension and rank lowest on the achievement gap."
Ummm....
Ambereen Khan of the Muslim Cohort cited the need for more cultural competency education and mandatory reporting of hate crimes.
“I have heard countless stories from members of our community. They are scared,” she said. She noted that Muslims have been told they support Hamas if they carry a Palestinian flag or wear particular clothing.
“We are weaponizing hate as a way of silencing criticism of the actions of Israel,” she said.
YIKES!
Last edited:
