Montgomery Blair Principal Renay Johnson sent the following message to the Blair community on Friday, September 21, regarding an incident that took place at the school which involved students at the school performing an antisemitic salute:
Dear Montgomery Blair High School Families,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to inform you about a serious incident that occurred at our school. It is important to address this matter promptly and transparently, as we believe that open communication between the school and parents is essential in creating a safe and inclusive environment for our students.One of our students reported witnessing a distressing incident during our lunch period. A group of students were observed outside filming themselves performing an antisemitic salute. We take this incident seriously, as it goes against our school’s core values of respect, tolerance, and inclusion. A report was made to the Montgomery County Police, and we are conducting thorough investigations to understand the motivations behind this behavior and to prevent any future incidents.
We have and will continue to have zero tolerance for hate/biased speech or gestures. Our Board of Education policy and MCPS regulations expressly prohibit the use of language, images, or symbols that promote hatred. Furthermore, we expect every member of our school community, both students and staff, to treat one another with respect and dignity, regardless of their personal characteristics or differences. We understand that this incident may be deeply concerning to you, as it is to us. We want to assure you that we are committed to addressing this matter and using it as an opportunity for education and growth. We encourage you to discuss this incident with your child and emphasize the importance of respect and inclusivity in our diverse society. We have included resources below for you.
Please feel free to reach out to your child’s counselor or administrator if you have any questions. We value your partnership and appreciate your support in fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students. A caring, supportive, and sate school community is the Blair way.”
Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.