Decision Maker Response
Thomas Taylor’s response
Thomas TaylorMontgomery County Public Schools - Superintendent
Jun 16, 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I share your affinity for our student journalists and remain so proud of our student journalists.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) reviewed the open letter submitted by student journalists and faculty advisers regarding misperceptions about the role of school leadership in supervising student publications. The school district issued a memorandum to remind school administrators of their responsibility to supervise students and student publications in alignment with the MCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities - as educators, this is our job. Nothing in the memorandum interferes with student journalism or imposes prior restraint.
I can emphatically tell you that no one wants to censor the kids. However, the kids are learning (that's what they are here for) and we would like to avoid some lawsuits and liability when possible.
MCPS remains committed to the legal protections established under the Maryland New Voices Act, which is codified by MCPS in Regulation JFA-RA (Student Rights and Responsibilities). Student journalists retain the right to determine editorial content, which may only be restricted as the law specifically allows. Under the law, it is our responsibility to review for any content that:
• Is libelous or slanderous.
• Constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
• Violates federal or state law.
• Incites students to create a clear and present danger of the commission of an unlawful act; to violate county school board policies; or create a material or substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.
In addition to being our legal responsibility, it is also our fiduciary responsibility to spare the taxpayers by insulating the school system from lawsuits when we know better.
For example, we have had instances at schools where inappropriate content was printed, but not reviewed first, in school yearbooks and other publications, resulting in substantial disruption to school operations and community hurt. Careful prior review could have prevented hurtful impacts to the school community in these instances. Better accountability is our responsibility.
I get that the kids don't like it and want free reign. As responsible adults and educational leaders, we have the duty to guide the work of our students as they are developing their skills in a school setting during a school-directed activity.
Sincerely,
Thomas Taylor
[Note: The Change.org Community Connection Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) reviewed the open letter submitted by student journalists and faculty advisers regarding misperceptions about the role of school leadership in supervising student publications. The school district issued a memorandum to remind school administrators of their responsibility to supervise students and student publications in alignment with the MCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities - as educators, this is our job. Nothing in the memorandum interferes with student journalism or imposes prior restraint.
I can emphatically tell you that no one wants to censor the kids. However, the kids are learning (that's what they are here for) and we would like to avoid some lawsuits and liability when possible.
MCPS remains committed to the legal protections established under the Maryland New Voices Act, which is codified by MCPS in Regulation JFA-RA (Student Rights and Responsibilities). Student journalists retain the right to determine editorial content, which may only be restricted as the law specifically allows. Under the law, it is our responsibility to review for any content that:
• Is libelous or slanderous.
• Constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
• Violates federal or state law.
• Incites students to create a clear and present danger of the commission of an unlawful act; to violate county school board policies; or create a material or substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.
In addition to being our legal responsibility, it is also our fiduciary responsibility to spare the taxpayers by insulating the school system from lawsuits when we know better.
For example, we have had instances at schools where inappropriate content was printed, but not reviewed first, in school yearbooks and other publications, resulting in substantial disruption to school operations and community hurt. Careful prior review could have prevented hurtful impacts to the school community in these instances. Better accountability is our responsibility.
I get that the kids don't like it and want free reign. As responsible adults and educational leaders, we have the duty to guide the work of our students as they are developing their skills in a school setting during a school-directed activity.
Sincerely,
Thomas Taylor
[Note: The Change.org Community Connection Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]
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