Admission of New Policy to The Glen Parent/Family Handbook and Employee Handbook

 

The following policy was unanimously adopted by The Glen Board of Directors earlier this week:

The Glen Montessori School Policy on Hate Speech and Hate Symbols

Hate speech and hate symbols are inconsistent with the Montessori philosophy and will not be tolerated as part of The Glen Montessori School Community.  

Hate speech is any form of communication—spoken, written, visual, or digital—that attacks, demeans, or promotes discrimination against individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, disability, other attributes, and belief systems. 

The Glen bans all hate speech and hate symbols on our school grounds and at school-sponsored events. Examples of banned symbols include but are not limited to: the Confederate flag, the swastika, and the not equal sign (outside of educational and mathematical contexts). 

Prohibited behavior includes, but may not be limited to:

      Using slurs or derogatory language targeting a group

      Encouraging violence or harm against a group or individual

      Sharing content that dehumanizes or stereotypes people in a harmful way

      Displaying symbols or imagery widely recognized as promoting hate or exclusion

Consequences for violating this policy may include:

      Removal of content

      Additional disciplinary action, within the confines of the Parent/Family Handbook and    Employee Handbook

      Disenrollment

      Demotion or termination of employment

 

Teaching Respect and Understanding in Challenging Moments 

When young children create or display symbols that may be associated with hate, whether inadvertently or intentionally, The Glen Montessori Faculty is committed to responding with care, clarity, and a commitment to learning. At young ages, children are still developing an understanding of symbols, history, and the impact their actions can have on others.

Our first step is to ensure the environment remains safe and respectful for all. We then work closely with the child to understand their intent, provide age-appropriate guidance, and help them learn why certain symbols can be harmful. This includes conversations about respect, inclusion, and the importance of considering how our actions affect others.

We partner with families to support each child’s growth and understanding, recognizing that these moments—while challenging—are meaningful opportunities to build empathy, responsibility, and community values. Parents are included in the process to ensure shared understanding and transparency around the steps taken to guide their child. 

Our goal is not punishment, but guidance for the child: helping every child grow into a thoughtful, respectful member of a diverse and caring community.

If the educational staff (teachers, program directors and administration) determines that a behavior is deliberate or becomes a repeated pattern despite guidance and family partnership, the student and family will be subject to further action as outlined in the Parent/Family Handbook.

 

Any questions should be directed to Jackie Herrmann, Head of School at jherrmann@glenmontessori.org.