Karen Harshman was legally removed from the Washington County Board of Education in 2017 by the Maryland State Board of Education.
In 2016, Harshman posted to Facebook that Washington County “seems to look the other way” on sexual abuse.
In a separate Facebook thread, Harshman, without evidence, accused a now-former Washington County Board of Education member with whom she served of having sexual relations with a student.
See Harshman’s comments below.
Karen Hashman: Mandatory Reporter
Karen Harshman is a former Washington County Public Schools teacher.
In 2016, Harshman was still a Washington County Public Schools employee as a paid school board member.
State law deems teachers and educational professionals as mandatory reporters of sexual abuse of minors.
“The law defines these individuals as those who, ‘within the practice of their employment, occupation, or profession have reason to believe a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect.'”
“Mandated reporters are required to make an oral report as soon as possible to their local department of social services or law enforcement and follow up with a written report within 48 hours (Maryland Family Law 5-704).”
Karen Harshman had a legal duty to immediately report any alleged abuse between a teacher and student to the superintendent of Washington County Public Schools and local law enforcement.
Former Washington County Board of Education member Dr. Justin Hartings addressed Karen Harshman’s conduct during a school board meeting in October 2018.
Harshman was removed from her elected school board position by the Maryland State Board of Education in April 2017 after a series of legal hearings.
I’d be more concerned that there’s truth in it than the concern that she is staying it on social media.
Stating*
Then let’s see her post some proof. otherwise I think a libel/slander lawsuit should be filed.