Regional School Unit 29 had training from organization that promotes LGBTQ ideology to young children

Parents Defending Education submitted a public records request to the Regional School Unit 29 seeking any guidance on transgender issues. The district provided PDE with a presentation from “Out Maine.” A core pillar of Out Maine’s outreach is targeting young children with LGBTQ issues. The organization claims in the presentation to be “empowering youth” to allow children to “express themselves as who they really are.”

In the presentation, Out Maine promoted implementing LGBTQ ideology into the curriculum taught to students, such as “displaying LGBTQ+ role models in educational materials” and “developing STRONG policies, procedures, and inclusive curriculum.” The organization also promoted professional development so district staff can “feel confident, and understand the proper terminology to use when talking to LGBTQ+ youth.” Out Maine additionally states that students “should receive regular training” to “learn about equity” and “understand what is expected of them.”

The organization stated that “schools must respect the wishes of students” and that “students and staff who engage with these students must use the chosen name and pronouns.” Out Maine then states: “A pattern of refusing to acknowledge a student’s gender identity violates the Maine Human Rights Act as well as Maine’s Bullying Law.” The organization further states that “all students have the right to use bathrooms, locker rooms, and any other gendered facilities that align with their gender identity.”