Maine School District Forced to Increase Police Presence After Approving Trans Inclusionhttps://www.them.us/story/maine-school-administrative-district-60-trans-policies-police 🔗Samantha Riedel (7 Jan 2026)
A Maine school district increased police presence on campus this week citing "unsettling and concerning" online comments about school board members and their families, after the board approved two transgender-inclusive policies last month.
During a December 18 meeting of the Maine School Administrative District 60 (MSAD) school board, members voted in favor of a new policy that specifically allows trans students to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The board also approved another policy that classifies intentionally misgendering another student as harassment under school codes of conduct. Following that meeting, district officials say they were made aware of posts and comments on social media pages regarding the votes "that some have found unsettling and concerning."
"While we recognize that community members hold and express differing viewpoints, we remain committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all who learn and work in our schools," wrote MSAD 60 Superintendent Audra Beauvais in a January 3 letter to the community, announcing that the district would increase police presence on campuses on January 5.
Beauvais' letter did not provide specific details about the online comments, but school board member Alison Herlihy told NBC affiliate WCSH-WLBZ that she had "received a message stating that somebody wanted to throw my children into a bathroom that they don't identify with and, quote, 'see what would happen.'"
