Documents Reveal Activist Influence in Maine Education Department
Recent documents obtained by custody groups reveal that activists linked to the Department of Education are being instructed to disregard President Donald Trump’s executive orders. In his early days in office, Trump issued two key executive orders aimed at reshaping American schools, notably one in January focused on eliminating radical gender ideology from educational content.
His February order, aimed at preventing biological men from competing in women’s sports, underscores his administration’s approach to Title IX. Under this directive, educational institutions risk losing federal funding if they allow biological men to participate in women’s sports. Maine has consistently resisted these orders, creating a strained relationship between the state and the Trump administration.
This conflict was highlighted during a dinner earlier this year, where Maine Governor Janet Mills expressed her obligation to adhere to the law, which restricts women’s sports to biological females. Mills countered Trump’s assertions, indicating that they might end up in court over the matter. New documents released through a public records request shed light on the situation, indicating that the Maine Department of Education (MDOE) has been heavily influenced by activists seeking to promote their agenda.
Emails from MDOE officials reveal their thoughts about Trump’s directives. For instance, after Trump’s order on classroom indoctrination, MDOE Commissioner Pendermakin quickly drafted letters to state schools, stating that the executive order was unable to supersede Maine laws or local school board policies. A day later, she reiterated these points in a follow-up email.
After the order prohibiting men in women’s sports, Pendermakin sent another message, asserting that the Maine Human Rights Act negated the administrative directives from Trump. While her interpretation may seem questionable, a closer examination of Maine’s human rights laws reflects a more complex picture. It does not explicitly permit trans athletes or men to compete in women’s sports as claimed.
Pendermakin’s email correspondence also indicates her connection with LGBTQ advocacy groups, suggesting they sought guidance on resisting the White House’s influence.
Additionally, a message from MDOE’s Director of Policy and Government Affairs raised concerns—not so much for its content but for the Director’s email signature which identified her preferred pronouns as “they/them.” This individual leads legislative efforts in the MDOE, a role closely linked to policy-making and influencer relations.
This director’s online activity shows support for posts promoting gender ideology, such as celebrating “International Pronoun Day,” aimed at normalizing the discussion around personal pronouns. Such enthusiasm for advocacy raises unsettling questions about the focus of the education department.
The education sector in Maine appears to be overshadowed by a political agenda that may not align with all families’ beliefs. The ongoing resistance from the state’s executive leadership against Trump’s orders highlights deeper divisions within the Department of Education, suggesting that activism may be taking precedence over student education.
It’s evident more scrutiny is needed regarding the MDOE and the influence of gender ideology in Maine’s schools. A thorough investigation could be crucial to addressing these issues.
