Windham school district upholds transgender athletes' rights in sports debate – WGME

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by Julia Simone
WINDHAM (WGME) – The Windham and Raymond school district has voted to continue adhering to the Maine Human Rights Act, a state law, which allows transgender athletes to participate in girls' sports.
This decision comes amid ongoing national debates and legal challenges, as the Trump administration seeks to alter current protections through funding threats and an executive order.
It's not clear exactly what would have happened if the Windham and Raymond school district voted to repeal, but it's likely transgender athletes would have been banned from girl's high school sports.
"Some kids are going to receive the message that they don't belong and that there are adults in this community that despise them. What a horrible message to send to a child," Windham resident Joe McIntyre said.
While some community members support inclusive participation in girls' sports, others raised safety concerns.
"There is a major difference in terms of genetics and ability when it comes to sports. There's a genetic makeup of that 250 pound person over that 120 pound person that is why there are classes in sports," one Windham parent said.
Currently, only two districts in Maine have removed the state's Human Rights Act language from their Title IX policies, aligning with the Trump administration's stance.
Those districts are RSU 73 which serves the towns of Jay, Livermore, and Livermore Falls and MSAD 70 which is based in Hodgdon in Aroostook County.
At least one member of the RSU 14 school board says they shouldn't follow that example.
"I don't think we should start with changing the language and banning kids from things. I think we all agree there is a certain amount of nuance here that could be better addressed. I think it would be wiser to allow the courts to take over here," RSU 14 school board member Matthew Irving said.
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