The second major school district decided to repeal its transgender policy, going against the stance of Democratic Governor Janet Mills.
The Community Schools Unit (RSU) 24 School Board voted on Tuesday to align with the Hodgdon School Board in dismantling a transgender policy that permitted students to utilize bathrooms and facilities based on a self-identified “gender identity” rather than biological sex.
In a 7-1 decision, RSU 24 opted to revoke its previous transgender policy, which had included recognizing students’ identities even if their parents disagreed. This action has drawn praise for its boldness.
The district serves six schools in towns such as Eastbrook, Franklin, Gouldboro, Mariaville, Steuben, Sorrento, Sullivan, Waltham, and Winter Harbor.
The earlier policy titled “Transgender and Gender Students” mandated that schools allow students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their declared gender identity, rather than their biological sex.
Additionally, the old policy directed that regardless of any parental objections, students were to be acknowledged by their preferred “gender identity.”
“If a student and their parents do not see eye to eye on the student’s gender identity, the school was still obligated to uphold the student’s wishes about their gender expression,” it stated.
Ultimately, the school board repealed the entire policy, aiming to reaffirm parental rights and prevent situations where girls would have to change in front of biological males. This move also aligns with President Trump’s directives concerning gender issues.
According to the report, the district’s changes do not necessarily imply that men will participate in women’s sports, as the decision was left to the Maine Principal Association (MPA), in charge of high school athletics. Governor Mills and the MPA have reportedly disregarded the Trump administration’s directives meant to protect women’s sports and spaces, prompting ongoing scrutiny and fundraising efforts.
