Wes Moore Governor | Maryland Department Of Education
On April 3, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) received a notice from the U.S. Department of Education (USED) regarding Title VI compliance. The notice requested MSDE to confirm receipt, review the request, acknowledge compliance with USED’s terms, and collect certification responses from local education agencies (LEAs).
All 24 school systems in Maryland signed and submitted the MSDE’s certification form, affirming their commitment to full compliance with Title VI, as enacted by Congress and interpreted through applicable legal precedent. The signed certifications have been sent to the U.S. Department of Education on behalf of Maryland LEAs.
Dr. Carey M. Wright, State Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Joshua Michael, State Board of Education President, issued a joint statement expressing their dedication to upholding civil rights laws for Maryland students. They stated, “In light of recent actions at the federal level, we want to be clear on our commitment to Maryland schools, students and staff. We are committed to supporting all students and upholding the law.”
They emphasized that Maryland schools aim to be "welcoming, equitable, fair and safe," highlighting the state's rich diversity as a strength of its school communities. They affirmed their commitment to providing a high-quality education to every child in Maryland, irrespective of their background. “Every student’s individual characteristics are valuable, and we will protect students’ civil rights under the law.”
Dr. Wright and Dr. Michael reiterated their dedication to ensuring “equal access to a high-quality education — all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, neighborhood, disability, socioeconomic status, or the language spoken at home.” They stated this mission is both a moral calling and a requirement under Maryland law.
As MDSE continues to leverage investments in public education via the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, their vision for a "world-class education for all of Maryland’s children" remains unchanged. They plan to achieve this through "high standards, transparency and accountability and strong partnerships."
The statement concluded with a message of appreciation: “Thank you for your continued support. Maryland students are depending on it.”
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