This past week has been a heavy one. The weight of political violence, combined with the anniversary of 9/11, brings up difficult memories and feelings. At the ACLU of Maine, our work is rooted in building a political system in which we recognize each other’s full humanity so clearly that violence is never an option. Acknowledging how far we still are from that vision can be hard, but it also underscores why our work matters so much. In moments like this, we remain committed to advancing safety, dignity, and justice for every person in Maine.
With gratitude,
Molly Curren Rowles, Executive Director
After Arrest at Portland School, ACLU of Maine Reminds School Communities They Have Rights
This week, reports emerged that unidentified law enforcement detained a parent outside a Portland public school. The agents refused to identify themselves and wore only generic “police” vests, leaving families and school administrators in the dark.
When government agents operate without transparency, they create fear, mistrust, and real risks to families’ safety. In response, the ACLU of Maine issued guidance to schools, outlining steps they can take to protect students’ rights and limit harmful data collection practices.
We’re urging schools to:
- Share Know Your Rights resources widely with students, staff, and families.
- Develop clear procedures for responding to immigration enforcement near school property.
- Reaffirm their commitment to creating welcoming and safe environments for all students, regardless of immigration status.
- Limit unnecessary data collection and safeguard sensitive student information.
In the face of rapidly changing immigration enforcement practices, it is crucial for students to know their rights and for school administrators to exercise their authority to uphold students’ rights and maintain safe environments. On the day of President Trump’s inauguration, ICE rescinded an earlier policy limiting immigration enforcement at or near schools, but that doesn’t change immigrant children’s constitutional right to an education. It also doesn’t alter a school district’s legal responsibility toward its students or limit its legal right to demand a valid judicial warrant before allowing agents to enter non-public areas of school property.
Learn more and know your rights
ACLU National Board President Joins for a Community Conversation
On Tuesday, we had a wonderful evening with the community for a conversation featuring ACLU National Board President Deborah Archer. She discussed her new book, Dividing Lines: How Transportation Infrastructure Reinforces Racial Inequality. She was joined by a panel of Maine-based transportation experts who shared local perspectives on how infrastructure impacts equity and access in our state.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for this important and engaging discussion. Learn more about Dividing Lines here and see pictures from the event on our Instagram here.
Join us at an upcoming event!
The ACLU of Maine is leading and participating in several events this month. Click on an event to learn more, or visit our events page to see all upcoming events!
- September 13: A Radical Queer Brunch: KYR for Students
- September 17: Constitution Day: Our Rights in Context [Online, hosted by Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick]
- September 19 - 21: ACLU at the Common Ground Fair
- September 23: Constitution Day: Our Rights in Context [Camden Public Library]
- September 26: Portland Stage: Eleanor Roosevelt’s Legacy
