School Climate

Every child should learn in a nurturing environment that fosters growth, promotes safety, and maintains a system of rules that are applied fairly and equitably. The ACLU has aimed a spotlight on the inconsistent and ineffective discipline policies across Maryland school districts that have led to disproportionate rates of suspension and expulsion for Black students and students with disabilities.

Restorative Practices

In Baltimore City, the ACLU participates in the annual review of the Student Code of Conduct, and in both the City and state, we advocate against school police involvement in minor and/or non-violent disciplinary actions. Our efforts, in partnership with school districts, policymakers, and a coalition of advocacy groups have dramatically reduced suspension rates and student arrests, and have transformed early education discipline practices. We continue to monitor, evaluate, and work to advance nuanced, uniform discipline policies and practices in school systems throughout Maryland.

The Latest

News & Commentary
Shantay McKinily is pictured surrounded by about ten students at a formal school event. Studetns are wearing dresses and suits. Everyone is smiling.

Schools Must Have Additional Funds To Create the Supportive Learning Environments Children Need

Black and Brown students in Baltimore City deserve to reach their dreams without bearing the burden of inequitable education funding. Many of these students already are burdened by a long history of systemic racism, housing segregation, and economic discrimination that have fostered high rates of poverty, violence, and associated trauma in their communities. The State of Maryland must be held accountable for its failure to provide the necessary funding to deliver a quality education to all students.
News & Commentary
Photo of a teacher and children in a circle holding hands with happy expressions. The photo has a yellow and white gradient overlay. There's a backpack cutout in the bottom left.

Checklist of What Your Child Needs to Succeed Academically

As children around Maryland return to schools after winter break, it is our duty to ensure they have everything they need to succeed academically. The State of Maryland’s constitution guarantees that right, after all!
Press Release
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ACLU of Maryland Announces Yanet Amanuel As Interim Public Policy Director

Issue Areas: Civil Rights, Police Practices, Rights of People in Prisons and Jails, Children's Rights, Racial Justice, Education, School Climate
Resource
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ACLU of Maryland's Advocacy in the 2023 General Assembly

Court Case
Jan 23, 2012

Bradford v. Maryland State Board of Education

On March 7, 2019, a group of concerned parents, joined by the ACLU of Maryland and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., returned to court to file a petition for further relief in the historic Bradford vs. Maryland State Board of Education lawsuit.