Statement on the MCPS Prior Review Memo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement on the MCPS Prior Review Memo
In March 2026, MCPS Chief of Schools Peter Moran issued a guidance memo requiring administrators to review all student publications before release. The memo conflicts with Maryland’s New Voices Act and contradicts Policy JFA-RA, a regulation adopted by the Board of Education.
On that basis, I am calling for its immediate revocation.
“The law protects a free press for a reason. When MCPS issues a memo that defies both state law and its own Board-adopted policy, it raises a simple question: if the district is willing to disregard the law here, where else is it doing so? The authority to amend or override Policy JFA-RA rests solely with the Board of Education, not with MCPS administration. This memo exceeds that authority and should be revoked immediately.”
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