Sign the petition to call on the Howard County Board Education to adopt the following resolution and to endorse the annual Black Lives Matter At School Week of Action:

WHEREAS, a national movement of teachers, parents, administrators, and scholars have come together to proclaim an annual week of action, affirmation, and solidarity, to be called “Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action”;

WHEREAS, the annual Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action will take place during the month of February to coincide with, and augment, Black History month; the 2019 week of action is February 4th- 8th;

WHEREAS, schools should be places for the practice of equity, for the building of understanding, and for the active engagement of all in creating pathways to freedom and justice for all people;

WHEREAS, the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action is intended to highlight, uplift and affirm the rich history and contributions of the Black Community and to cultivate in Black students a sense of pride, self-worth, and self-love;

WHEREAS, Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action is further intended to encourage ongoing critical reflection and courageous conversations concerning systemic racism, social injustice, racial and ethnic bias; and to affirm the right of Black students to be treated with respect and dignity within schools and communities;

WHEREAS, the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action may offer a variety of educational opportunities, such as school based workshops, panel discussions, cultural events, instructional activities, and expressions of unity, as approved by the school administrative team;

WHEREAS, the National Education Association endorsed the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action at the 2018 Representative Assembly;

WHEREAS, the Maryland State Educators Association (MSEA) endorsed the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action at the 2018 Representative Assembly

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Howard County Board of Education endorses the annual Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action in the HCPSS school community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Howard County Board of Education welcomes the participation of educators, staff and students in school and community based activities and events related to the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Howard County Board of Education invites educators across grade levels and content areas to implement classroom-based activities and approved curricular materials provided by the *National Black Lives Matter at School Coalition and the **National Education Association.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Howard County Board of Education permits the approved use of HCPSS communication and social media platforms to inform and promote school and community based activities and events related to the Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action.  

*bit.ly/blmweekcurriculum   

**https://neaedjustice.org/black-lives-matter-at-school/