Baltimore County Public Schools Meet Over Controversial Tweet

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Tuesday, a crowded Baltimore County public school meeting took place as competing sides took turns debating a controversial post-election tweet shared by Superintendent Dallas Dance.

Some felt the message which called for teachers to reach out to non-white students was racist and demanded Dance resign immediately.

Dance came under fire for sharing a tweet from former Montgomery County Superintendent Josh Starr.

The tweet posted on election night encouraged teachers to pay extra attention to non-white students. A message many parents criticized for being racist among other things.

Many of them are pushing for Dance to resign by starting a petition in the process and handing it over Delegate Joseph Cluster.

"We're living in a very polarized country right now we need to do everything to unite each other we shouldn't be dividing ourselves based on race or religion," said Cluster.

"I think it was unnecessary, I'm not really offended by it, I think it was inappropriate," said one parent.

But others disagree- defending Dance with signs.

"I'm frankly annoyed that so much time has been spent on this retweet that was clearly expressing empathy and compassion," said another person.

Some parents and even state leaders argue this issue goes far beyond a single retweet.

Senator Johnny Ray Salling is one of those who shared concerns.

"I love our schools I think they're doing a great job, meeting with the staff and students and principals but I think we got a serious problem with just maintaining our schools," said Salling.

Parent advocates like Rebecca Wiseman also agree.

"I think Dallas is a nice person, I think somewhere in his heart of hearts he may have a care for the position he holds unfortunately his responsibility is lacking," said Wiseman.

The superintendent briefly answering to WJZ with a single statement.

"It's time for us to get focused on kids in baltimore county. I'm excited to go back to that route," said Dance.

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