Contact Your Legislators - Baltimore County
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Dear Honorable Legislators of Baltimore County,
I am writing to urge you to take action in support of Ms. Alexa Sciuto, a dedicated teacher at Baltimore County Public Schools, who is currently facing unfounded allegations that have significantly damaged her professional reputation.
Ms. Sciuto has been accused of making threats and promoting disruptive behavior in response to the Parental Power Summit. However, the actions attributed to her are legal means of protest protected by the First Amendment. Her involvement included attending the event, encouraging peaceful protest, and participating in civil discourse—all of which are fundamental rights that should be upheld and respected.
The specific statement described as a threat was directed at Kit Hart, the Chair of Moms for Liberty. This statement is clearly rhetorical and pertains to Ms. Hart’s reputation. The language used is past tense, which does not indicate imminent harm or illegal action, as genuine threats typically do. Additionally, a clarification was made in a reply to a tweet by the same account that authored the alleged threat, explicitly stating that no harm was intended. This clarification was timestamped June 7, 2024, at 9:08 a.m. Despite this, the false information and allegations were made and spread on June 8, 2024, after the intent had already been clarified.
Furthermore, it is important to note that during the Parental Power Summit, Ms. Sciuto asked a question during the Q/A portion of the event. Ms. Sciuto challenged Ms. Hart to define the term "woke," which Ms. Hart was unable to do, resulting in widespread doubt about her credibility. This crucial interaction seems to have prompted Delegate Szeliga's actions as retaliation against Ms. Sciuto for exercising her rights and exposing the flaws in Ms. Hart's arguments.
Ms. Sciuto’s rights to free speech and peaceful protest are being unjustly attacked. The dissemination of false information has led to her being harassed online, including via her professional email account, and further defamatory statements on social media. This unjust situation not only harms Ms. Sciuto but also sets a dangerous precedent for the treatment of educators and advocates who exercise their constitutional rights.
As a progressive leader, I believe it is vital to stand against such injustices and support those who are unfairly targeted for their advocacy and participation in public discourse. I respectfully request that you take the following actions:
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Advocate for the removal and rescindment of the false allegations from all public and official communications.
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Ensure that Ms. Sciuto’s rights to free speech and peaceful protest are upheld and protected.
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Address the harassment and defamation she has faced as a result of these allegations.
Ms. Sciuto has consistently acted in the best interests of her students and community. She deserves fair treatment and a thorough review of the facts surrounding these accusations. Your support in this matter would not only aid in rectifying an injustice but also reinforce the values of free speech and fair treatment.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your commitment to justice and equality.
Dear Members of the Board of Education,
I am writing to urge the establishment of clear and fair criteria required to place an educator on administrative leave. The well-being of our students, the outcomes of their education, and the sense of community within our schools are at stake.
The targeting of educators, especially for exercising their right to free speech, appears to be on the rise. When complaints are made in bad faith, meeting the complainants' demands without proper substantiation can reinforce this tactic and enable more educators to be unfairly targeted.
Alexa Sciuto has personally experienced this challenging situation. She has been the subject of such complaints twice. In both instances, Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) placed her on administrative leave despite the lack of substantiation of the claims against her. Each time, this not only impacted her professional and personal life but also disrupted the learning environment for her students and weakened the community’s trust in our educational system.
A notable example highlighting the need for careful investigation is the case of Eric Eiswert, the former principal of Pikesville High School. Mr. Eiswert was accused of making racist statements, which turned out to be a result of voice cloning by another employee. This underscores the necessity for rigorous criteria and thorough investigation before placing any educator on leave.
To protect the integrity of our educational system and to ensure that student outcomes and community well-being remain our top priorities, I urge you to implement a policy that includes the following:
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Substantiation Requirement: Ensure that any complaint against an educator is thoroughly investigated and substantiated with credible evidence before any administrative action is taken.
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Transparency and Fairness: Establish clear guidelines and transparent processes for handling complaints, ensuring that all parties involved are treated fairly.
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Support for Educators: Provide support for educators who are targeted by malicious complaints, ensuring they have the resources and backing to defend themselves against unfounded allegations.
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Focus on Community: Recognize the impact of administrative leave on the school community and prioritize the continuity of education and stability for students.
By implementing these measures, the Board of Education can help protect educators from being unfairly targeted and ensure that our focus remains on providing a high-quality education and a supportive community for all students.
Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter.