Maryland education leaders address safety concerns over threats in wake of Israel-Hamas war

BALTIMORE - From the beginning of her tenure, Baltimore County Public School Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers has made school safety a priority.

While some of the same issues continue to be a problem, Rogers said Tuesday the school district's Jewish and Muslim communities are starting to feel threatened as the Israel-Hamas War wages on.

Meanwhile, the state's interim superintendent said there is definitely concern statewide.

During a news conference Tuesday, Rogers said the conflict is definitely heightening security concerns in her school district.

She said the uptick in attacks on Jewish and Muslim communities has prompted many to come forward to her.

"I have heard directly from Jewish and Muslim staff and stakeholders about their concerns, fears and needs," Rogers said. "We are especially sensitive to them during these tumultuous times."

FBI data shows in 2022, there were 1,124 anti-Jewish hate incidents reported nationwide -- a jump from 824 in 2021. Meanwhile, 158 anti-Muslim incidents were reported nationally in 2022, and 153 in 2021.

Interim State Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright said they are keeping an eye out for these incidents, but there isn't a noticeable rise in the state right now.

She adds she's confident school districts will act appropriately.

"The last thing you want is a child being afraid to come to school, or even afraid once they're at school," Wright said. "I think that you've got adminstrators across the state that are really leaning into that. If you're talking about it, that's a good thing, because that means you can start addressing it."

For Baltimore County, Rogers made it clear Jewish and Muslim families should feel safe.

"Hateful, racist or discriminator acts against any member of team BCPS will not be tolerated and anyone who engages in any such behavior will be dealt with swiftly," Rogers said.

Counselors, school psychologists and administrators have been working around the clock to ensure students, staff and their families feel safe, according to Rogers -- as well as helping them process their feelings about the war.