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Parent group urges Lewiston School Committee to reject Department of Education "Dear Colleague" interpretation of Title VI
Summary
A state representative from Parents’ Rights in Education asked the committee to withdraw or resist guidance embodied in a Department of Education "Dear Colleague" letter and argued it undermines local control and teacher authority.
Alan Sarvinas, identified in the meeting as Maine State Director of Parents’ Rights in Education, addressed the Lewiston School Committee during public comment on March 19 and urged members to “act independently and correct the harmful policies imposed by the previous federal administration.”
Sarvinas told the committee he had submitted a legal letter asking the district to “withdraw or rescind the Dear Colleague letter” and said the document is an “interpretation of Title VI,” which he called an overreach of Department of Education authority. He alleged the guidance was “illegal,” “unfair,” and “counterproductive,” and said it contributed to teacher morale problems in some districts.
Chairwoman Megan Parks acknowledged Sarvinas’ remarks and the packet materials he provided. Committee members did not take formal action on the request during the meeting, nor did the transcript record responses from district legal counsel or a motion related to the letter.
Sarvinas asked the committee to prioritize the well‑being of students and teachers and to exercise local control over how Title VI is interpreted and enforced in Lewiston Public Schools. The committee did not adopt his suggested actions at the March 19 meeting.
