Student rights and responsibilities are defined in Howard County Board of Education Policy 9020 Students’ Rights and Responsibilities.

Additional information can be found in the Student Code of Conduct and additional Board policies related to student responsibilities and behavior.

The United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights clarifies that “A school or college violates Title VI if it intentionally treats persons differently or otherwise causes them harm because of their race, or if a school or college creates or is responsible for a racially hostile environment.

Community members are not permitted to be on any school campus during the school day to ensure the safety of students and staff. 

Information on safety protocols for visitors may be found on the HCPSS website.

No, walkouts are not at a principal's discretion. As stated in Howard County Board of Education Policy 9020 Students’ Rights and Responsibilities, “Students have the right to assemble. Students have the right to freely choose the subject and form of a peaceful demonstration. Schools may set reasonable limits as to the time, place, and way students and student groups may assemble if those restrictions advance legitimate educational goals.” 

Advance notice will be provided by the applicable school(s) to parents/guardians prior to a scheduled walkout. 

Howard County Board of Education Policy 9020 Students’ Rights and Responsibilities affords students the right to assemble.

There will not be disciplinary or academic consequences for student participation, so long as student participation remains peaceful and adheres to all Board of Education and HCPSS policies, and the timeline and parameters of the event.  

School administrators identify a safe location on the school campus for students to gather (e.g., gym, auditorium, cafeteria, stadium, front of building, parking lot). School staff supervise the walkout and ensure students safely return to their classroom/assigned area following the walkout.   

As stated in Howard County Board of Education Policy 9020 Students’ Rights and Responsibilities, “Students have the right to assemble. Students have the right to freely choose the subject and form of a peaceful demonstration. Schools may set reasonable limits as to the time, place, and way students and student groups may assemble, if those restrictions advance legitimate educational goals.”