Press Releases

Advocates Oppose Efforts to Weaken Settlement for Maine’s Children’s Behavioral Health System

The ACLU of Maine and partner organizations urge the court to reject harmful modifications on an earlier settlement aimed at strengthening Maine's children's behavioral health system. 

ACLU of Maine Reminds School Communities of Their Rights After Arrest at Portland School

Following reports of unidentified law enforcement arresting near a Portland public school, the ACLU of Maine is reminding parents, students, and school leaders that knowing their rights is a powerful way to keep our communities as safe as possible.

Civil Rights Organizations Urge Students, Parents, and Staff to Know Their Rights Ahead of School Start

The ACLU of Maine, EqualityMaine, and GLAD Law have released a comprehensive guide ranging from LGBTQ+ and immigrant students’ rights to staff free speech and student protest.

US Department of Justice Sues Maine for Violating Youth Disability Rights

The U.S. Department of Justice has sued Maine for discriminating against young people with disabilities by denying adequate services, separating children from their families, and institutionalizing children who need health care.

Caribou High School Plans to Fingerprint Students. We're Demanding Answers.

Plans to fingerprint public school students raise serious privacy concerns. We've filed an open records request to learn more.
Issue Areas: Youth Rights, Privacy

Maine’s High Court Overturns Custody Ruling, Demands State Follow Disability Rights Laws

We filed a friend-of-the-court brief in this win for disability rights, arguing the state cannot punish families when the state itself refuses to follow disability rights laws.

ACLU Releases Know Your Rights: Back to School

We just released new materials so you can know your rights in Maine schools, whether you're a student, teacher, or staff. Learn more and know your rights.
Issue Areas: Youth Rights

We're Demanding Public Schools Stop Book Bans, Protect Students' Rights

The organized national campaign to ban books featuring people of color and LGBTQ people has been exported to Maine. We're demanding Maine schools protect students' rights to speak and access information freely.

ACLU Comment on Supreme Court Decision in Carson v. Makin

The Supreme Court issued a ruling today in Carson v. Makin that requires the state of Maine to fund religious education at private religious schools as part of its tuition assistance program.