Frederick Co. parents, students focus on solutions after hate crime arrests

Frederick County Schools racial equity meeting

The racial equity committee for Frederick County Schools had its first meeting after three students at Middletown Middle School were arrested and charged with hate crimes.

FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. - Students and parents say the arrest of three students on hate crime charges last week is bringing to light a broader problem of racism in Frederick County Public Schools.

On Wednesday, the school district’s Racial Equity Committee met for a regularly scheduled meeting with more people joining than any other meeting in the group’s three-year history.

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"This is the largest crowd we’ve had, and we’re excited. And we want to keep the momentum going," said Kisha Coa, a parent who leads the group.

It was the first meeting after three eighth graders at Middletown Middle School were arrested after investigators say they shared photos of themselves with weapons threatening to kill Black people.

"It actually did not surprise me," said Zoe Razunguzwa, a sophomore. "Out in school people are out saying all kinds of slurs and the punishment, honestly, it’s not as severe as I think it should be."

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Razunguzwa is among students who are starting a Color Connector Club in every high school to allow students of color to share experiences and build relationships across schools.

Frederick Co. stands against hate after students charged for threats against Black school community

Students and staff rallied against hate at Middletown Middle School Friday after three students face charges for posting online threats targeting the Black school community.

"Especially with the recent events at Middletown Middle School, I think students really need to know that they’re supported in this county," said sophomore Ava Taylor, who’s also part of the effort.

The racial equity committee is also working on an Anti-Racist Policy they will recommend to the school board.

"Children deal with this all the time and it’s often felt like it’s swept under the rug," said Coa. "So we really want to use this opportunity to bring this to light and make long-term change."

The FCPS Racial Equity Committee will hold a community meeting on March 22 at Frederick High School at 7 p.m. People are encouraged to come and share their own experiences and offer ideas for solutions.