The Board of Education tentatively approved a revised Policy ACA, Human Relations, at its January 14th meeting. Interested individuals or groups are encouraged to submit comments about the policy to the Board during the public comment period ending March 3, 2003.

Revised Policy ACA, Human Relations, would affirm the Board of Education’s commitment to exemplary human relations and promote positive human relations with the school system. The original policy was adopted in 1969 and updated several times, the most recent being in l996.

The current revision defines acts that will not be condoned by the school system, including “insensitivity, disrespect, bias, verbal abuse, harassment, bullying, physical violence, or illegal discrimination toward any person.” The revision also would “promote exemplary human relations for all without regard to race, color, gender, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, age, disability, or sexual orientation.”

Public responses to the revised policy should be in writing and sent by March 3 to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850. All responses will be shared with the Board of Education. The text of the policy is available on the Montgomery County Public Schools web site.