Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is investigating an incident at Sherwood High School after senior class t-shirts distributed this week included a combination of letters and numbers that evoked a racial slur. In a letter sent to students, families, and staff, district leaders said the design, which was intended to celebrate the Class of 2026, appeared to resemble the N-word and described the situation as “unacceptable and wrong.”
The letter, signed by MCPS Chief of School Leadership and Improvement Dr. Peter Moran and MCPS Chief of Equity and Organizational Development Dr. Nyah Hamlett, emphasized that hate, bias, and discrimination “have no place in our schools.” The officials apologized for the harm caused to Black students, families, and staff, and said the district is committed to accountability and healing.
MCPS has launched a formal investigation into how the shirt design was created, approved, and distributed. The district has asked students to return the shirts and will provide redesigned versions at no cost. The senior class photo will also be retaken to ensure that no image associated with the shirts becomes part of the school’s historical record. A team of counselors and psychologists has been made available to support students and staff impacted by the incident. In addition, the district plans to partner with an outside organization specializing in racial healing to host restorative listening circles for students, staff, and families…