“To protect families from Governor Hogan’s actions, a special session urgently needed”

Hyattsville, MD – CASA Director of Education Maritza Solano, M.Ed., issued the following statement after Governor Larry Hogan, supported by Superintendent Karen B. Salmon, PhD, encouraged schools to consider reopening in person after the first semester of this school year.

“Governor Hogan’s announcement about how and when Maryland schools can open now is both dangerous and shortsighted. It is hard to believe that Governor Hogan cares for students and educators as he reauthorizes schools to ‘safely’ reopen – a negligent decision. A truth evident as parents, students, and community members immediately shared their confusion and fear with us as a trusted community org. Maryland is still in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic – Black and Latino working families disproportionately affected now more than ever. Worse yet, we anticipate a second wave of the virus as well as flu season kicking in this fall. To protect ourselves from Governor Hogan’s actions, a special session in the Maryland General Assembly is needed now more than ever.

“Dr. Salmon’s stance behind Governor Hogan’s statement demonstrates that guidance and support school districts need at this time is missing. The Maryland State Department of Education should not put political pandering above the welfare of our public schools, students, and educators.

“Governor Hogan claims he cares about education and says he has invested in education yet earlier this year he vetoed the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a comprehensive education reform plan that would provide increased access to resources and support to ensure all students in the state have access to a world-class education. His veto of the Blueprint is a major loss for Black and brown students across the state. In addition, he is scheduled to make additional budget cuts to educational programs. School districts share that they will stay the course beginning the school year in a virtual format. As we continue our call for a special session, we also urge for an immediate veto override on Blueprint.”

Because of Governor Hogan’s blatant disregard for Black and brown families during the COVID state of emergency, CASA has spearheaded a coalition of 70+ organizations clamoring for a special session. The diverse group specifically calls on Maryland House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, Senate President Bill Ferguson and members of the Maryland General Assembly to act.

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With more than 100,000 members across the states of Maryland, Virginia and South Central Pennsylvania, CASA is the largest member-based Latino and immigrant organization in the mid-Atlantic region. Visit us at www.wearecasa.org and follow us on Twitter at @CASAforall.