*Update: The charges against the parent were dropped Monday by the Baltimore County State’s Attorney.
via the Baltimore County Media website:
Towson, Md. (September 23, 2013) — On September 19, a Baltimore County Police officer working off duty for Baltimore County Public Schools arrested a Howard County man, charging him with creating a disturbance during a public meeting regarding the new Common Core curriculum.
The citizen, Larry R. Small of the 10200 block of Maxine Street, 21042, was charged with disturbing school operations and second degree assault. Small was released on his own recognizance.
The arrest occurred after a BCPS official asked the officer to intervene when Mr. Small shouted a statement from the floor and refused repeated requests by BCPS Superintendent Dallas Dance to take his seat and follow the prescribed format.
The meeting, hosted in Towson by BCPS, was one of a series of meetings scheduled throughout the state by the Maryland Department of Education. The established meeting format requires participants to submit written questions to the panel. While BCoPD strongly supports a citizen’s right to exercise his or her First Amendment rights, it also recognizes that meeting organizers have the right to establish rules of order.
Baltimore County Police Chief James Johnson said he will review the incident.
Source of text: Baltimore County
