Back in November, I wrote about the ACLU of Maine’s education program and our standing offer to visit any school to present on the Bill of Rights. “No matter where your school is in the state of Maine we’ll come and teach there,” I said. Lately we’ve been putting those words to action – and logging some serious miles in the process.

Right now we’re up in Aroostook County, teaching students at Hodgdon High School, Houlton High School, and Fort Kent Middle School as part of a three-day trip. We’re talking about lots of important topics, including free speech in school, the rights you have when dealing with police, and the Equal Protection Clause and how it relates to Maine’s new anti-bullying law. So far the classes have been great, with students asking inquisitive questions and sharing thoughtful insights into the topics we’re presenting on.
 
Aroostook County hasn’t been our only venture into the rural parts of Maine, though. Over the past two weeks we made a pair of visits to Piscataquis County, speaking with students at Greenville High School and Foxcroft Academy. Earlier this month we made trips to Searsport, New Gloucester, York, and Scarborough. Next month we’ll be heading to Machias, Skowhegan, Readfield, just to name a few.
 
Even with all these miles logged (nearly 2,000 in March alone!) our offer still stands: No matter where your school is in the state of Maine, we’ll come and teach there. Send me an e-mail at jgaither@aclumaine.org or call our office at 774-5444 to find out more or to schedule a visit.