Maine schools are seeing a rise in hate speech, hate symbols, racist, and misogynistic incidents. Our children and adolescents are paying attention to the language, actions, and behaviors of our national leaders as shared through many sources of media and discussed in homes. They then bring these behaviors, actions, and language into schools committed to providing safe and welcoming learning environments for all students. These behaviors, merchandise, and language are often in conflict with school policies for dress codes, codes of conduct, and guidelines in school handbooks. Educators are looking for resources and ways to help address these issues.聽
Leadership Matters
Leadership clearly communicating about the value of diversity in the educational process does a lot to establish the tone and expectations along with clearly stated district mission and vision statements that others can point to.
Here鈥檚 a model statement from Ryan Scallon, Superintendent of Portland Public Schools on March 18, 2025.聽
Restorative Practices
Helping students talk about what they hearing, seeing, and what impact their behaviors and language have on others is a great place to start. Restorative practices provide a framework and strategies for facilitating these discussions after community and trust has been established.
There are many resources available in Maine. Some focus on schools like , while others are more focused in the community and court systems in South Portland, .
Unfortunately, Restorative Practices have been implemented widely, often without understanding of the true nature and potential of the practices and so have failed and been given a bad reputation. Here is a to help explain the differences between restorative and retributive justice and implications for schools. The chapter comes from the 2024 book by several Maine authors.聽
Addressing Hate
Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine (HHRCM)
The mission of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine is to promote universal respect for human rights through outreach and education. Using the lessons of the Holocaust and other events, past and present, we encourage individuals and communities to reflect and act upon their moral responsibilities to confront prejudice, intolerance and discrimination.
The center provides trainings, exhibits, and educational resources including the 2024 Anti-Bias Toolkit
Addressing Misogyny
Maine Boys to Men聽A center, 鈥淐ourageously committed to ending male violence and self-harm while advancing gender equity鈥� provides workshops for schools, adults, TED Talks, and films.
Building Inclusive and Welcoming Communities for Learning
Building Positive School and Classroom Communities
Many Maine based resources linked in another section of this web resource.