Maryland’s Progress in Environmental Justice and Higher Education Reform

In a significant step towards promoting environmental justice, Maryland’s Department of the Environment (MDE) has named Aneca Y. Atkinson as its inaugural assistant secretary for environmental justice. Bringing a wealth of experience from her tenure at the National Audubon Society Mid-Atlantic and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Atkinson is poised to spearhead the development of policies aimed at supporting communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.

MDE’s Dedication to Environmental Justice

Under the guidance of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain, the MDE has been actively involved in community outreach initiatives through environmental justice listening sessions. The appointment of Atkinson serves as a testament to the department’s unwavering commitment to addressing environmental inequalities. Concurrently, the recent inclusion of Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass in the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee signifies a heightened emphasis on local climate policies and their implications.

Rebranding Efforts and Administrative Changes

In a separate development, the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has undergone a rebranding process and is now known as Global Refuge, aligning more closely with its core mission and historical background. On the political front, the resignation of board member Carlos Ayala from the state Elections Administration has sparked concerns. However, State Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis has assured that this transition will not have a detrimental impact on the electoral processes.

Overhauling Higher Education Policies

Meanwhile, a legislative task force has finalized an extensive report containing recommendations for enhancing the policies and procedures of the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). The primary objective is to promote transparency and mitigate unnecessary program redundancies within the realm of higher education. This initiative stems from the appeals of university leaders and state legislators for a comprehensive review of the academic accreditation process in Maryland, following a recent settlement addressing the underfunding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The proposed recommendations encompass public consultations and evaluations for contentious academic program proposals, as well as an assessment of approved programs to gauge their impact on funding and enrollment at HBCUs.