The following statement is released on behalf of the Maine Education Association, Maine School Boards Association, Maine Superintendents Association, and Maine Principals’ Association:
Like many Mainers, we are concerned by the recent Immigrations and Customs Enforcement activity in Maine and its impact on students, educators, and communities.
As educators, we firmly believe that schools must remain safe, stable, and supportive places for all students. Our number one priority as educators is to keep them safe. Families trust schools to be places where children can learn without fear. But recent ICE actions in our state have instead created uncertainty and disruption which undermine students’ ability to learn and educators’ ability to teach.
We know that students cannot fully engage in learning when they are coping with stress, trauma, or the visible presence of armed federal agents in their neighborhoods. Schools across Maine are training staff, developing extensive protocols and offering calm and reassurance amid disruption. Our priority remains ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.
We are proud of the collective effort from our educators, families, and friends to keep students safe and ensure consistent access to education. As educators, we will continue to support our students and stand with our community to maintain schools as safe, welcoming spaces for every Maine learner.
