LA PLATA, Md. – Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced several appointments July 31 to the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention to include the College of Southern Maryland’s (CSM) Director of Educational Partnership Sylvia Royster. A resident of Charles County, Royster has also been an advocate for Native-American/Alaskan Native students and families as a classroom teacher, administrator, and recently the Title VI Indian Education Grant Director for Charles County Public Schools.
“Sylvia’s extensive experience engaging with community partners, leading educational initiatives, and advocating for inclusive and equitable outcomes for all students makes her an outstanding thought partner to advance this statewide priority,” said CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson. “She will be an incredibly valuable asset to the Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention.”
“As a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, I have been an advocate for indigenous communities since I was an undergraduate student at the University of Pembroke, North Carolina,” shared Royster. “I know how important it is that our native peoples feel seen and heard as they strive to build community and thrive in a diverse world. Having the opportunity to serve on the state’s Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention will allow me the opportunity to share my experiences with like-minded advocates to help provide restorative and community engagement opportunities for all communities across Maryland.”
The Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention follows the approval of House Bill 763 in this year’s session of the Maryland General Assembly. The Commission is made up of 25 stakeholders from a cross-section of law enforcement, state and local institutions, and organizations representing communities targeted by crimes of hate.
According to a press release issued by Brown’s office July 31, the new commission is charged with the development of strategies to address hate crimes and hate-bias activity, and the evaluation of Maryland laws and policies related to hate crimes. Chaired by Brown, the commission submits annual reports to the Maryland Department of Education and Maryland General Assembly with policy and legislative recommendations to address hate crimes in schools and the broader community.
“I am grateful to our past Commission and excited to work with the new Commission,” said Brown in the press release. “Addressing the difficult issues facing the Commission requires courage, commitment, and respect. Our goal is to combat hate, address underreported incidents, and provide guidance and policy recommendations to stamp out hate in Maryland.”
Fifteen members have been selected based on their representation or advocacy on behalf of a class of persons identified under Maryland’s current hate crimes law, including race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and homelessness. Royster is among those 15 appointments of individuals who represent or advocate on behalf of a protected class, and who will be confirmed by the Maryland Senate at the 2025 session of the General Assembly. The members will serve in an acting capacity until confirmation.
CSM welcomed Royster as the college’s director of Educational Partnerships effective July 29. This new position within the CSM’s Division of Learning was established to oversee the design, coordination and implementation of strategic initiatives with CSM’s educational partners. You may also be interested in reading “CSM Welcomes Slyvia Royster as Director of Educational Partnerships.”
