'Homophobic Club Hub' At Middle School Brings Punishment For Students

ROCKVILLE, MD — Three students at Earle B. Wood Middle School in Rockville will face disciplinary actions after a teacher reported finding a presentation entitled "Homophobic Club Hub" on a student's Chromebook.

"This is clearly a hate/bias incident and I must say that discrimination in any form cannot be tolerated," Principal Heidi L. Slatcoff said in a letter sent to Wood Middle School families on Friday. "It impedes MCPS’ and our school’s ability to discharge its responsibilities to all students and staff, and achieve our community’s long-standing efforts to create, foster, and promote equity, inclusion, and acceptance for all."

An investigation by the school determined the documents were generated by one student two to four months ago and shared with at least two other students before being deleted.

"We found no evidence that any other students participated in generating the documents, and no evidence that a club was actually formed," Slatcoff said in the letter.

The school contacted both the Montgomery County Police Department and Montgomery County Public Schools' Office of School Support and Well-Being to ensure the proper steps were taken regarding the incident and investigation.

"While students who commit this unacceptable act will receive consequences as per MCPS Student Code of Conduct, it is important that we continue our work with our students to help them understand the impact of hateful and hurtful words," Slatcoff said.

This week, school counselors will be conducting lessons on bias and discrimination. The principal also asked families to discuss the importance of civility with their children and how hurtful words can be. Families were encouraged to use the MCPS Stronger Student Mental Health and Wellness App to access emergency and crisis contact information, as well as mental and physical health resources.

Below is the full text of Principal Heidi L. Slatcoff's letter to Wood Middle School families:

Dear Wood Families,
I am writing today to make you aware of the facts of an investigation begun last week but not completed until today, Friday, Feb. 10. We contacted the Montgomery County Police Department and the Office of School Support and Well-Being, as per established process to ensure appropriate action was taken during and as a result of this incident and investigation. Here are the facts, a teacher notified school administration about finding a presentation and google form titled, “Homophobic Club Hub” on a student’s Chromebook. Our investigation found that the student shared the documents with at least two additional students prior to deleting them. We found no evidence that any other students participated in generating the documents, and no evidence that a club was actually formed. Our investigation found that the documents were generated 2 – 4 months ago.

This is clearly a hate/bias incident and I must say that discrimination in any form cannot be tolerated. It impedes MCPS’ and our school’s ability to discharge its responsibilities to all students and staff, and achieve our community’s long-standing efforts to create, foster, and promote equity, inclusion, and acceptance for all.

While students who commit this unacceptable act will receive consequences as per MCPS Student Code of Conduct, it is important that we continue our work with our students to help them understand the impact of hateful and hurtful words.

This coming week our counselors will be going into classes to conduct lessons on topics of bias and discrimination. Administrators and counselors will continue to reinforce and reiterate our expectations around bullying and harassment.

Again, this work cannot be done alone. I am also asking for families to please take time at home to discuss with your student(s) the importance of civility and the power of how words can affect all of us. Below are some resources that can be used to facilitate this dialogue as well as a reminder of our Montgomery County Public Schools Code of Conduct.

I want to restate that I am committed to ensure that Earle B. Wood Middle School is a safe, welcoming, and positive diverse community. Thank you for continued support and our collective efforts to provide a safe environment for our students.

Sincerely,
Heidi L. Slatcoff