Statement From Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass Regarding WaPo Article on MCPS Principal

On Friday, August 11, the Washington Post released an article alleging that Paint Branch High School Principal Dr. Joel Beidleman had been reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and detailed alleged sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and other inappropriate conduct at multiple schools, spanning over a decade. The article states that Beidleman was placed on leave by MCPS and that the school system will launch an “independent, external investigation.”

Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass released the following statement on Monday, August 14: “I am deeply disturbed by the Washington Post’s detailed reporting alleging an MCPS principal created a hostile and unsafe workplace. The public needs to know who was aware of this information and why it was not promptly investigated. As we prepare for a new school year, we must ensure that students and teachers feel safe, welcome and respected in the classroom.”

Over the weekend, several other Montgomery County officials released similar statements:
County Executive Marc Elrich: “This is a long and troubling story. If it is accurate, it is shameful that MCPS let this situation persist for so long.”

This is a long and troubling story. If it is accurate, it is shameful that MCPS let this situation persist for so long. https://t.co/u2S1gozcpl

— County Exec Marc Elrich (@MontCoExec) August 11, 2023

Councilmember Kristin Mink: “The events reported in the Washington Post today are completely unacceptable and frankly horrifying. East County deserves better. Staff and students across the county deserve better. MCPS must be clear, transparent, and specific about how they will change their procedures for addressing reports of harassment, bullying, and other inappropriate conduct to ensure that the failures enumerated here are not ongoing elsewhere and cannot happen again.”

The events reported here are completely unacceptable and frankly horrifying. East County deserves better. Staff and students across the county deserve better. MCPS must be clear, transparent, and specific about how they will change their procedures (1/2)https://t.co/7qgKWKesMQ

— Kristin Mink (Montgomery County, MD) (@KristinMink_) August 11, 2023

Councilmember Will Jawando: “I am deeply disturbed by the The Washington Post’s article released this morning related to allegations regarding a MCPS principal.

“The allegations are serious and concerning, and must be thoroughly, impartially and comprehensively investigated. MCPS should be clear with the County Council and the public about how this matter will be investigated and ensure that community members are aware of how they can report experiences that may be relevant to the investigation.

“The safety of staff and students is paramount to an effective learning environment, and it is essential that our school system treat allegations of this nature in a prompt and serious manner. The concerns voiced by members of our community regarding harassment, bullying and fear of reprisals should be taken with the utmost seriousness. That kind of culture is entirely unacceptable in our school system and anywhere.”

Councilmember Gabe Albornoz: “I support Chairman Jawando’s statement RE: this Washington Post story. I’m also deeply troubled by this story on many levels.”

I support Chairman Jawando’s statement RE: this Washington Post story. I’m also deeply troubled by this story on many levels. https://t.co/gO9cH3Fndm

— Councilmember Gabe Albornoz (@albornoz_gabe) August 11, 2023

MCPS Director of Communications, Chris Cram, provided the following statement to us when we reached out regarding the Washington Post article, “MCPS maintains its commitment to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment for our students. MCPS also maintains its commitment to provide an appropriate work environment for its staff. We have identified an external and independent investigation team with expertise in education and employment law to promptly investigate allegations that were raised in the Washington Post’s investigation. The external team will also assess the district processes concerning documenting, reporting and investigating allegations of bullying, sexual harassment, and/or discrimination of any kind. Privacy protocols will be adhered to throughout our response to this matter. The safety of our students, staff and community is a top priority for MCPS.”
Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.