Teach MD, a project of the Orthodox Union, praised Gov. Larry Hogan for signing a new school security bill (HB 1661). Teach MD worked with Maryland Parents for Education (MPFE), Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk, and Senator Roger Manno to draft and advocate for the legislation.

The new bill will authorize the Maryland Center for School Safety to make grants for security related projects. Schools and childcare centers deemed at risk for hate crimes or ideological attacks will be eligible for the grants.

In the wake of increased threats and anti-Semitic incidents, Teach MD has been a leader in advocating for the bill’s passage, recently testifying before the Maryland Senate Education Committee on behalf of HB 1661.

In Maryland, the Rockville and Baltimore Jewish Community Centers and the Charles E. Smith Day School in Rockville were recently targeted with bomb threats.

“We are very grateful to Gov. Hogan, Del. Pena-Melnyk, and Sen. Manno for supporting this important bill, as well as the Baltimore Jewish Council, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, and Agudath Israel of Maryland,” said Yehuda Neuberger, Co-Chair of Maryland Parents for Education. “Too many religious schools, of all types, face threats, and these sponsors have recognized that the state has an important role in ensuring the safety of all our children.”

“HB 1661 is a tremendous victory in the face of a tough environment, but there is more work to be done. We look forward to working with the legislature and the governor to secure direct funding allocation for the legislation,” said Sam Melamed, Co-Chair of Maryland Parents for Education.

“The Teach Advocacy Network has worked to increase security for school children for several years, but the recent increase in anti-Semitic incidents brings a new urgency to this mission,” said Maury Litwack, Teach Advocacy Network’s executive director. “We are heartened that Maryland is taking a leadership role in protecting all our children.”

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