News & Commentary

 Poster created by students in Wide Angle Youth Media in collaboration with GLSEN Maryland, The Office of Mayor Catherine E. Pugh and the Baltimore City LGBTQ Commission. Supported by the Open Society Institute-Baltimore.

The “Blueprint for Maryland’s Future” (HB1413/SB1030) bill is the first action on recommendations from the Kirwan Commission. The bill as introduced includes funding for expanding pre-kindergarten, increasing teacher salaries, and providing grants for concentrated poverty and special education. The ACLU testified in support of this bill, urging state legislators to develop a targeted and comprehensive formula which is the only way to seriously begin to combat decades of gross underfunding for students and families. As of now, the Kirwan “Blueprint” bill is pending the results of the State Budget process.   Currently, the House and Senate versions of the budget (SB125/HB100) do not match. Only the House version of the budget funds the entire Kirwan “Bluep

This piece originally appeared at in the Afro. 

Deshawna Bryant, a senior at Baltimore City High School, dreams of becoming a child psychologist. The youngest in her family, all her life Deshawna’s parents opened their home and hearts to many foster children, too. After high school, she plans on going to a university in Florida, and a big reason why is that it’s warm there all year round.

What’s possible for Baltimore City schools? This!

Are you a Baltimore City parent, student, or teacher who has been impacted by heating, air-conditioning, or other building issues in school? For an important major upcoming campaign, we need to document your story.

Here are some tips from Caylin Young, Public Policy Counsel at ACLU of Maryland:Keep your comment brief, efficient, and on topic.Introduce yourself and give your affiliation, such as student, parent, community advocate. Tell the Commission which county you are from and the name of your school (if applicable).Identify 3 main points maximum for your comment. You can break down each point, but stick to 3 main ones.Structure your comment by telling the Commission what you are going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them.Tell a personal story that is relevant to the specific point you are trying to address. A personal story will maximize your effectiveness.Thank the Commission and provide your contact information along with a few printed copies of your written testimony.Submit an electronic copy of your comment in advance of the hearing.Double-check details for submitting your public comment to make sure you have checked off everything on the list of instructions.Practice, practice, practice! Practicing saying your comment will not only build confidence, but will help you keep it within the allotted timeframe (3 minutes!). They may cut you off if you go over.Relax and don’t forget to breathe!Time to flex your advocacy muscles! Thank you for making your voice heard.Stay updated on the Kirwan Commission, get action alerts, and other critical education news. Sign up to get our Education Advocate newsletter in your inbox.

TAKE ACTIONClosing racial gaps is urgent, and race equity must be a key priority in our discussions about changes to Maryland’s education system. Take action: Tell the “Kirwan” Commission you support strong and effective recommendations to further race equity.