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Residents, parents urge Winthrop board to rescind March 4 policy motion, citing legal and fiscal risks
Summary
Multiple residents and parent groups told the Winthrop School Board to rescind a March 4 motion directing a revision of policy JB (transgender students), warning the change could violate state law, trigger litigation, and impose costs on taxpayers and students.
The Winthrop School Board heard several public comments asking the board to rescind a March 4 motion directing the superintendent to draft revisions to policy JB, which governs transgender students'access to facilities and athletics. Whitney Khan, a Winthrop resident and parent, said the proposed changes "would place Winthrop athletes in an impossible position" and urged the board to use Robert's Rules to rescind the earlier motion.
Supporters of postponement warned the board that altering policy JB now could expose the district to litigation under the Maine Human Rights Act and burden taxpayers because individual lawsuits "will not be covered by the district's insurance," as one commenter warned. Superintendent Dr. Foley told the board a motion to dismiss in related litigation was filed on March 6 by districts represented by counsel Jack Baldacci and that the Maine Human Rights Commission had 21 days to respond to that filing.
Speakers at the meeting urged the board to wait until a citizen initiative or further state action is resolved. Bethany Drewen, on behalf of the Winthrop PTO, and Julie McFarland, a parent, both asked the board to avoid acting before the November ballot and to follow legal advice to postpone changes. David Hughes said the state can extend protections beyond federal limits but recommended waiting for the referendum's outcome to avoid unnecessary legal expense.
The chair did not make a rescission motion during the meeting; board members said they would add related agenda items and seek administration input on implementation and legal implications at a future meeting.
