The new book policy was enacted by the Somerset Board on August 18, but at the request of MSEA was immediately paused by Maryland State School Superintendent Wright to give the State Board time to review the policy’s legality.

The decision could have far-reaching consequences for public schools’ ability to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that reflects the diversity of their communities, as well schools’ ability to implement any secular lesson plan that may trigger religious objections.

CAIR announced that it has joined the ACLU of Maryland, Howard County for a Free Palestine, and others organizations in calling on the Howard County Human Rights Commission to follow up on the status of an investigation into complaints of censorship and discrimination against students.

Arab and Muslim students at River Hill High School have been censored by their school administration on multiple occasions over the last seven months, in violation of their First Amendment rights.