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Creating Juvenile Justice System Alternatives for Youth

LD1779, An Act to Prevent Youth Involvement in the Juvenile Justice System by Establishing a Strength-based, Discretionary Juvenile Needs Assessment Program, was enacted by the legislature but failed to receive needed funding. That bill would have created a paradigm shift for youth justice in Maine, shifting accountability from control and punishment to prevention. This bill would provide law enforcement discretion to refer young people in Maine to strengths-based needs assessments from the Department of Health and Human Services and pair the youth and their families with support and services rather than getting them involved with the criminal justice and carceral systems. The passage of LD1779, sponsored by Rep. Grayson Lookner, was a significant victory in attempts to reform Maine’s juvenile justice system and a new bill is sure to return to a new Legislature in advocacy led by Maine Youth Justice.

Title IX | National

Your Enduring Rights Under Title IX

You may have seen recent news about a federal court issuing an injunction related to US Department of Education Title IX rules and several actions by President Trump attempting to undermine the rights of transgender students.

Here’s what these developments mean for you here in New England.

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a landmark federal law passed in 1972. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in schools and education programs that receive federal funding. It has been and will continue to be vital to improving opportunities, fair treatment, and funding for girls and women. This law has also been instrumental in ensuring that all people, including LGBTQ+ students, have fair access to educational opportunities, regardless of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

What happened to the 2024 Rules?

On August 1, 2024, new US Department of Education (DOE) rules went into effect. Among other things, the rules explained that Title IX protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination and harassment and ensures that transgender students have access to bathrooms and changing rooms consistent with their gender identity. These rules did not “change” Title IX; rather, they explained protections afforded by the plain language of the statute and incorporated the U.S. Supreme Court’s interpretation of Title VII, a similar statute prohibiting sex discrimination in employment.

Twenty-six states, as well as several schools and anti-trans groups, filed lawsuits to stop the DOE from enforcing the 2024 Rules. On January 9, 2025, a federal court in one of these lawsuits blocked the 2024 Rules from going into effect nationwide. Although this order could be appealed, and other cases are ongoing, it is very likely that the new Trump administration will not defend the 2024 Rules, leaving them blocked.

What does that mean for me?

Just like the 2024 Rules did not “change” Title IX, the order blocking the 2024 Rules did not “change” Title IX either. Title IX still prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, which many courts have recognized to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Title IX still requires schools to provide LGBTQ+ students with equal educational opportunities and still gives students and parents the ability to assert their rights to a discrimination-free school environment.

What does Trump’s Executive Order mean for my rights?

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order attempting to make it the “policy of the United States to recognize two sexes” and intending to deny the rights of transgender people. He followed this with another order on January 29, 2025, threatening teachers who affirm and support students’ transgender identities. The clear purpose of these orders is to cause chaos, confusion, and fear. In the United States, Congress—not the President—writes laws, and the courts—not the President—interpret laws. The Executive Order does not change the rights of students under Title IX to a safe, supportive learning environment and a quality education.

I think my rights have been violated. What can I do?

All New England states have state laws protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ students in schools—including transgender students—as well as state agencies that investigate and enforce violations of those protections. The court order and Executive Order have no impact on state law protections and on students’ statutory rights under Title IX, nor do they change individuals’ rights to bring their own private enforcement actions.

GLAD Law maintains resources for LGBTQ+ students in New England. For more information about the laws in your state, visit our website:

If you have experienced bullying or harassment at school due to your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, GLAD Law wants to hear from you. Please visit this page to let us know about your experience: https://www.gladlaw.org/TitleIX-Form

This page was last updated in February 2025.

Pride at School | National

Public schools have a responsibility to support and provide a positive environment for all students.

One way that they do this is by displaying support for LGBTQ+ students through Pride symbols and flags.

Public school administrators are legally required to provide the same rights to all students and student clubs under the Equal Access Act. So, for example, if the school allows students from other clubs to hang flags or banners, the school has a legal responsibility to allow their GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) to do the same.

At schools, school officials are able to create guidelines around displaying supportive flags and symbols. Just because they display supportive imagery does not mean that they also need to display offensive imagery if requested to do so. Schools do not need to worry about being forced to put up offensive banners, decorations, or other imagery.

This means schools can fly flags like the Black Lives Matter or Transgender Pride flags to show support for their students. Schools do NOT have to take down these flags, even if someone requests it as a hostile symbol.

What can schools do?

  • Keep up existing inclusive flags, signs, and posters.
  • Have school faculty meetings where school employees propose new inclusive displays.
  • Put up new inclusive displays to show support for their students.
  • Provide all student clubs with the same resources.

What should schools not do?

  • Schools should not create programs that allow private individuals to propose flag suggestions.
  • Schools should not let non-school employees put up displays.
  • Schools cannot allow only some groups of students to have clubs and exclude others.

College | National

Every student is entitled to equal educational opportunities and an environment that supports them. They also deserve to show up as and express their authentic selves, which includes having their proper name and pronouns used in classroom and administrative settings. For LGBTQ+ college students, this can prove difficult as there are no overarching policies or laws regarding name and pronoun usage at universities. Public universities often have more protections for LGBTQ+ students whereas private and religious educational institutions may follow different policies. Below you can find some information on best practices and ideas on how to best approach the subject with staff, professors, and administration. The links and resources provided were not compiled by GLAD and have not been vetted by GLAD.

Applying to LGBTQ+ Friendly Universities

Name & Pronoun Use and the Common App

Due to the Common App (a platform that allows students to use one college application to apply to several universities) asking students for their (preferred) names and pronouns, as of January 2022 over 900 universities across the US now have the ability to integrate the use of those names and pronouns, and over 200 universities directly use this information in their campus information systems.

Here you can find a list from August 2023 of The Best Colleges for LGBTQ+ Students in the US. You can also use the Campus Pride Index.

Pronoun and Name Usage on Campus

Professors using your correct name and pronouns:

All students deserve to be treated with respect. One way professors can be respectful is by asking for and using students’ correct name and pronouns (even if they differ from what’s on the students’ records).

If you are being named incorrectly and misgendered here are some steps you can take to advocate for yourself:

  • Bring it up to the person misgendering or misnaming you. They may not be aware that they are doing so and might be able/willing to easily change this.
  • Share resources. You can find GLSEN’s Pronouns Guide here.
  • Start a conversation on campus and advocate for campus-wide change. Connect with Campus Pride to take their trainings and use their LGBTQ+ advocacy resources.
  • Go to the Title IX Office. Persistent, intentional misgendering is also something you can raise with the Title IX Office at your university.

Updating your preferred name and pronouns with the registrar’s office:

Some universities now give students the ability to update their name and pronoun information at the registrars’ office so as to not out trans students to their professors and other campus staff. Check out this example of a policy to update for preferred (not legal) names and pronouns from Berklee College of Music.

If your school does not have such a policy and/or is refusing to allow you to update your name and pronouns through the registrar’s office, you may be able to make a Title IX complaint. Title IX protects LGBTQ+ students from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Read more about Title IX here.

Because of FERPA protections, if you are over 18, by law you are able to update your name and pronouns at your college without that information being shared with your parents, guardians, spouse, or financial benefactors.

Advocating for correct name and pronoun usage on campus:

Campus Pride has great advocacy trainings and resources for students.

University Policies, Best Practices, Etc.

Guides for universities looking to update their practices

Below, university administration, professors, and staff can find guides on supporting LGBTQ+ students in higher education:

GLAD Answers

If you’ve followed these steps and the situation has not resolved or is getting worse, please reach out to GLAD Answers. Complete the online intake form at GLADAnswers.org, email GLADAnswers@glad.org, or leave a voicemail at 800-455-GLAD.

News

Advocates praise passage, signing of shield law that will protect Maine providers of reproductive care and care for transgender people from out-of-state attacks 

Maine joins more than a dozen states in enacting protections as Biden administration announces similar protections for abortion patients under federal patient privacy law 

(Portland, MAINE) – Governor Janet Mills has signed into law a bill that will protect Maine’s providers of reproductive care and care for transgender people from out-of-state attacks. The measure, LD 227, was approved by the legislature on April 12 and will take effect in mid-July. 

Lawmakers heard from numerous Mainers and care providers who advocated for the measure in March. In the days following that public hearing, legislators faced physical and political threats along with rampant disinformation. In addition, attorneys general from 16 red states threatened legal action if Maine’s legislature continued working on the bill. As Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey stated, the bill “simply protect[s] providers of legally protected reproductive and gender-affirming health care provided in Maine from interference or retaliation from states with different policies.”   

To date, 21 states across the country have enacted bans or near total bans on abortion. At least 24 states have banned access to safe and effective medical care for transgender adolescents, and some have moved to restrict access to care for transgender adults. 

Mills’ signing came on the same day the Biden administration announced a new federal rule—in line with LD 227—that shields abortion patients’ medical records from being disclosed to law enforcement if the procedure is received in a state where it is legal or protected by federal law. The Biden administration’s rule is based on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). 

LD 227 passed on April 12 and was signed into law by Governor Mills on April 22. Rhode Island followed suit and Governor McKee signed a Health Care Shield bill into law in June.

LD 227 is consistent with Governor Janet Mills’ July 2022 executive order safeguarding providers and patients of reproductive care in the wake of the Dobbs Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. It also builds on legislation passed by Maine lawmakers in June 2023 that protects reproductive health care providers from adverse actions by malpractice insurers. 

Statement from Lisa Margulies, Esq., Vice President of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund 

“We applaud every lawmaker who stood up for the medical providers, patients and people of Maine and voted for this bill. We thank Governor Mills for her commitment to ensuring Mainers can safely access essential medical care and protecting our providers from hostile attacks. 

Our state sends a clear message with LD 227: Maine remains a safe harbor for sexual and reproductive health care, for providers and the patients they serve. Extremists opposed to safe, legal medical care will not stop their assault on our rights, but we will not be intimidated by their attacks.  

Clinicians deserve to serve their patients without fear of persecution by out-of-state politicians wholly unqualified to weigh in on personal medical decisions. Patients deserve access to health care that is safe and legal in our state. LD 227 protects our health care infrastructure from extremist attempts to take away our rights and freedoms.” 

Statement from Polly Crozier, Director of Family Advocacy, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) 

“As politicians in more and more states seek to take away our ability to make important, private medical decisions for ourselves and our families, we must do all we can to ensure vital, standard-of-care health care remains legal and accessible. LD 227 will secure access to reproductive health care and essential health care for transgender people and will protect the dedicated practitioners who provide it in Maine.” 

Statement from Mary Bonauto, Senior Director of Civil Rights and Legal Strategies, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders  

“We’re grateful to Governor Mills, to lead sponsors Representative Anne Perry and Senator Donna Bailey, and to all the legislators who focused on the need to protect our health care providers in Maine and who persisted despite the disinformation and intimidation used to try to stop this critical legislation. LD 227 ensures Maine law will govern health care in Maine and that Maine providers who provide that care are protected.  This law affirms once again the State’s commitment to reproductive freedom and equality for transgender Mainers.” 

Statement from Gia Drew, Executive Director, EqualityMaine 

“We are thrilled to see LD 227, the shield bill, be signed into law by Governor Mills. Thanks to our pro equality and pro reproductive choice elected officials who refused to back down in the face of disinformation. This bill couldn’t come into effect at a better time, as more than 40% of states across the country have either banned or attempted to block access to reproductive care, which includes abortions, as well as transgender healthcare for minors. Thanks to our coalition partners who worked tirelessly to phone bank, lobby, and get this bill over the finish line to protect community health.” 

Statement from Cait Vaughan, Interim Executive Director, Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights (GRR!) 

“As an organization of older women who have invested 50+ years into advancing respect for bodily autonomy, GRR! is thrilled to learn from and work alongside transgender leaders to expand everyone’s understanding of this fundamental democratic principle. LD 227 becoming law makes us proud of Maine’s commitment to protecting health care access for all.” 

Statement from Aspen Ruhlin, Community Engagement Manager, Mabel Wadsworth Center 

“With the passing and signing of LD 227, Maine has unequivocally declared that both patients and providers of gender-affirming care and abortion care deserve protection. This bill will help assure not only access to care for both Mainers and those visiting, but medical privacy as well. The opposition to this bill was loud, but nowhere near as loud as truth, compassion, and care.” 

Statement from George A. Hill, President and CEO, Maine Family Planning 

“With gender-affirming and reproductive care under attack across the country, ensuring that individuals have the fundamental right to make informed medical choices in collaboration with trusted providers is crucial. We’re grateful to the Legislature and Governor Mills for recognizing that Maine must protect access to the high-quality, medically necessary care we and other healthcare organizations provide our patients.” 
 

Statement from Bre Danvers-Kidman, MaineTransNet 

“While the hateful rhetoric and terrorist tactics leading up to the votes point to a worrisome trend in political discourse, we are heartened by the votes to pass LD 227. Maine healthcare providers can now be assured that it is safe for them to provide evidence-based, life-saving care without fear of criminalization by the overreaching hands of out-of-state politicians. Similarly, patients seeking care in Maine can now be assured that it is safe to access the healthcare they need. The Governor and the majority of Maine lawmakers have demonstrated exceptional fortitude in the face of truly reprehensible behavior, and our state is better for it. The message is clear: Maine won’t let far-right extremism, outlandish misinformation, or even domestic terrorism stand in the way of ensuring all patients can safely access the best healthcare available here.” 

Statement from Destie Hohman Sprague, Maine Women’s Lobby 

“A gender-just Maine ensures that all Mainers have access to quality health care that supports their mental and physical wellbeing and bodily autonomy, including comprehensive reproductive and gender-affirming care. We celebrate the passage of LD 227, which helps us meet that goal. Still, the patterns of violence and disinformation ahead of the vote reflected the growing connections between misogyny, extremism, and anti-democratic threats and actions. We must continue to advocate for policies that protect bodily autonomy, and push back against extremist rhetoric that threatens our states’ rights and our citizens’ freedoms.” 

Statement from Abbie Strout-Bentes, Executive Director, Safe Abortions for Everyone (SAFE) 

“We are currently witnessing unprecedented attacks on gender-affirming care and abortion access across the country. However, we are fortunate to live in Maine, where leaders continue to see through lies and fear tactics. Today, we thank Maine’s lawmakers and advocates as Governor Mills signs LD 227, another critical bill to protect and ensure access to gender-affirming and reproductive health care.” 

News

GLAD and Planned Parenthood statements on LD 227 passing final enactment

Statement from Lisa Margulies, Esq., Vice President of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund on the final vote to enact LD 227

“Thank you to the lawmakers who have, once again, said loudly and clearly: We will protect Maine’s healthcare providers from attacks. LD 227 is a bill that will ensure our state’s providers of essential, lifesaving reproductive care and care for transgender people can continue to practice safe, legal medical care in Maine without fear of hostile actions stemming from other states’ laws.

We are grateful and proud of all of the lawmakers in the legislature who endured threats of violence, abhorrent political rhetoric and rampant disinformation to stand and vote to protect safe, legal, medical care in Maine.”

Statement from Polly Crozier, Director of Family Advocacy, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) on the final vote to enact LD 227

“Today the Maine legislature stood up for the principle that Maine law should govern health care in Maine. Mainers understand the importance of keeping health care decisions between individuals, families, and doctors – not politicians. LD 227 will ensure reproductive health care and essential health care for transgender people remain accessible in the state and that Maine’s dedicated health care providers are not penalized by the overreach of hostile laws from out of state. We are grateful to the bill’s lead sponsors, Senator Donna Bailey and Representative Anne Perry, to every member of the House and the Senate who showed up, spoke out, worked diligently to ensure this bill moved forward and voted for final enactment.”

News

GLAD and Planned Parenthood statements on Maine Senate vote to advance LD 227

Statement from Lisa Margulies, Esq., Vice President of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund on the Maine State Senate’s vote to advance LD 227

“Thank you to the elected leaders in the Senate voted to protect Maine providers. Today is another proud day for Mainers. Twenty-one senators have voted to advance this bill that, at its core, is meant to protect Maine providers from hostile attacks and allow them to continue to practice essential, lifesaving medicine in our state without fear.

Extremists will continue to spread lies and hateful rhetoric about reproductive health care and care for transgender people, but today’s vote made clear that a majority of our elected leaders in the Maine State Senate will focus on the facts and act with compassion and urgency to meet our current moment with policy that is necessary and appropriate.”

Statement from Polly Crozier, Director of Family Advocacy, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) on the Maine State Senate’s vote to advance LD 227

“LD 227 is a straightforward bill that will protect Maine’s dedicated health care providers and safeguard access to essential reproductive health care and health care for transgender people in Maine. We are grateful to Senator Donna Bailey for her leadership and to each of the Senators who voted today to move this important bill forward.”

Learn more about LD227

News

Maine House advances bill to shield providers from out-of-state attacks 

LD 227 will safeguard Maine clinicians from government overreach stemming from states that have banned reproductive care or care for transgender people 

(Portland, MAINE) – In the wake of bomb threats, political attacks, and lies spread by lawmakers opposed to the measure, a majority of Maine House lawmakers today voted to advance a bill that will safeguard providers of reproductive care and care for transgender people from hostile attacks based on laws in other states.  

Eighty elected leaders voted to pass LD 227, An Act Regarding Health Care in the State, sponsored by Rep. Anne Perry (D-Calais), and 70 cast votes in opposition to the measure, which has the support of Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Maine Medical Association and Maine Psychological Association, among others. 

This bill aims to ensure Maine’s health care providers aren’t penalized under the laws of other states that have banned access to established, standard-of-care transgender health care and reproductive care and to ensure patients can continue to receive quality, legal, essential medical care in Maine. 

To date, 21 states across the country have enacted bans or near total bans on abortion. Twenty-four states have banned access to safe and effective medical care for transgender adolescents and some have moved to restrict access to care for transgender adults.  

LD 227 is consistent with Governor Janet Mills’ July 2022 executive order safeguarding providers and patients of reproductive care in the wake of the Dobbs Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. It also builds on legislation passed by Maine lawmakers in June 2023 that protects reproductive health care providers from adverse actions by malpractice insurers. 

Statement from Lisa Margulies, Esq., Vice President of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund and Planned Parenthood of Northern New England 

 “Maine is one step closer to protecting our providers of essential medical care from hostile attacks by out-of-state extremists. We applaud the 80 elected leaders who voted to advance LD 227 in the face of vile rhetoric and lies, political posturing and threats of violence. 

Thankfully, reproductive care and care for transgender people remains legal in Maine. LD 227 is a necessary response to a tumultuous national landscape in which practitioners of essential and lifesaving care are under attack. 

This bill is about ensuring our providers of reproductive care and care for transgender people can offer safe, legal medical care in Maine without fear of government overreach from other states.”

Statement from Polly Crozier, Director of Family Advocacy, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) 

“We’re grateful to Representative Perry for championing this important bill in the House, and to the 80 Representatives who understood that LD 227 will protect access to essential, standard-of-care health care and the Maine practitioners and providers who deliver it. We look forward to working next with the Senate and hope to see LD 227 advance to safeguard Maine’s health care infrastructure from hostile laws passed for political, not medical, purposes in other states.” 

Learn more about LD227

School Resources | Youth | Maine

Schools are meant to be student-centered places where young people are safe and can learn what they need to succeed in life. Yet, extremist politicians and well-funded national groups are trying to make public schools and school libraries a site of attacks on LGBTQ+ people, especially youth, and families. 

But youth in Maine public schools have rights, and our schools have a responsibility to ensure all students, including LGBTQ+ students, are safe, supported, and able to learn. GLAD and our partners are sharing these resources on your rights as a student, parent, and educator.

Visit our Maine Know Your Rights page for LGBTQ+ students to learn more.

Maine Resources

Know Your Rights

Nondiscrimination: Maine General Laws prohibit discrimination in educational programs, opportunities and other matters based on gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, and perceived sexual orientation in Maine public schools. You can read more under GL 5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4602  

Anti-Bullying: Maine has one strong anti-bullying law with strict requirements that schools must follow to protect students from a wide variety of bullying, be it physical, verbal, or online.  

Guidance for Schools: The Maine Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has created a set of eight principles and practices to support LGBTQ youth in schools at Foundational Practices to Support LGBTQ+ Students.    

Learn more about youth rights in Maine on the following Know Your Rights pages

What to do if you or your child is experiencing bullying, discrimination, or mistreatment in school 

If you believe your rights are being violated, visit our Rights of LGBTQ Students in Maine page to learn more about what steps you can take.  

About school censorship and book bans

On May 16, 2023, the ACLU and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) sent a letter urging Maine public school districts to protect students’ legal rights by rejecting censorship in school libraries.

Learn more here.

Get involved in your local community

  • Follow the issues that come up in your school committee and town/city council
  • Attend meetings when important issues are being discussed and even to participate in the public comment period in which School Board/Committee members listen to input from the public. It is important that they hear support for good work and good arguments for why LGBTQ+ and race-based restrictions are bad educational policy for all students.
  • Follow education, curriculum, staffing, policy, library and other issues in school board and local elections, or run for office yourself

For support in talking about issues related to education and LGBTQ+ students, and more ways to take action, visit Campaign for Our Shared Future.

Organizations and Additional Resources

Organizations

  • The Maine Department of Education provides all Maine students access to educational experiences, Pre-K through adult, that lead to their success in life and career.
  • The Maine Human Rights Commission prohibits discrimination on the basis of protected class in employment, housing, places of public accommodation, education, and extension of credit.
  • Trans Youth Equality Foundation based in Maine serves all of New England, providing education, advocacy and support for transgender and gender non-conforming children and youth and their families.
  • Maine Youth Action Newtork (MYAN) is a statewide network of committed adults and passionate young people who believe in the transformative power of youth leadership. 
  • EqualityMaine is the oldest and largest statewide organization dedicated to creating a fair and just society for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Mainers. 

For more youth-focused organizations, visit Youth Organizations | Maine.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about LGBTQ+ Equality in Maine? Visit the Movement Advancement Project’s Maine Equality Profile.

GLAD Answers

Still have questions? Contact GLAD Answers for free and confidential legal information, assistance, and referrals. Complete the online intake form at GLADAnswers.org, email GLADAnswers@glad.org, or leave a voicemail at 800-455-GLAD.

Inclusive and Consistent Data Governance in Maine

Update: On March 28, 2024, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed LD1948 into law!

LD1948 will establish data policies according to best practices to protect privacy, provide public access, and ensure collaboration among stakeholders and the government. The bill provides a year for the development of a definition and standard for multiple demographic fields, including race, ethnicity, and sex, about which Maine already collects data, and now for sexual orientation, gender, citizenship, education, socioeconomic status, veteran status, disability status, and age.

GLAD submitted testimony in support of LD1948 alongside EqualityMaine, OUT Maine, MaineTransNet, Maine Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Portland Outright, and the Maine Council on Aging.

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