In gender clash, Maine schools caught between parents, kids

The handling of gender identity at public schools has emerged as a new front in the culture war, pitting children's privacy against some parents who fear educators are cutting them out of key conversations.

Messages show complexity of gender identity debate

Transgender student at University of Maine System alleges discrimination

The student has filed a complaint with the state after gender-affirming surgery was denied coverage under a UMS student health insurance policy.

Medical associations ask DOJ to investigate threats to children’s hospitals

Their demands come amid a spate of threats against doctors and institutions that provide medical care for transgender kids, sometimes including hormones or surgery for older teens.

RSU 9 community debates gender-identity poster

Thirty people addressed the Regional School Unit 9 Board of Directors during meeting Tuesday, Sept. 13, to discuss a poster hanging at Mt. Blue High and Middle schools called "Gender 101." People during public comment showed support for the poster, while others called for its removal. For now, Superintendent Chris Elkington has determined in a review the poster will stay in place.

RSU 9 community debates gender-identity poster

The informational sign hangs in guidance offices at Mt. Blue middle and high schools, and the tech center in Farmington.

Dixfield-based school board bans gender book from Dirigo library

RSU 56 directors voted 7-2 to remove “Gender Queer: A Memoir” from the high school shelves.

Maine policy supports incorporating LGBTQ lessons, but lacking guidance, most schools aren’t doing it

The state encourages but does not require or give specific instruction for teaching about sexual orientation and gender diversity, topics many experts believe should be addressed at an early age.

Maine Republicans adopt platform to ban sexually based material, transgender identity in schools

The Maine Republican Party kicked off its two-day convention in Augusta by also rejecting an effort to remove the party's one woman-one man definition of marriage.

Florida governor signs ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill

Republicans say parents, not teachers, should be broaching subjects of sexual orientation and gender identity.