January 31, 2025
Dear Bangor Families,
The mission of the Bangor School Department is to provide a safe, inclusive, and high-quality educational experience that inspires all students to grow every day, to thrive over time, and to aspire continuously for excellence as learners and people. As indicated in our strategic plan and DEIB position statement, we are committed to fostering an environment that respects the unique backgrounds of every student, staff member, and family within our community.
In light of recent federal executive orders, we want to reaffirm our commitment to compliance with all federal and state laws. The Bangor School Department complies with the Maine Human Rights Act (MHRA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of protected class in employment, housing, places of public accommodation, education, and extension of credit. Protected classes include: race, color, hair style and texture, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, religion, age, and other categories in certain contexts. The MHRA also prohibits retaliation for asserting MHRA-protected rights. While federal policies may change, Maine state law continues to uphold strong protections against discrimination in schools, and we remain fully committed to these legal standards. Ensuring that every student and staff member feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive in our schools is a commitment we make every day.
We have compiled a list of resources to highlight community needs. This list is not exhaustive. The Bangor School Department staff are working diligently to remain updated on information that may impact specific populations and encourage students and their caregivers to contact their principal at any time. Additional resources can be found on our website:
LGBTQ+ Resources:
The Trevor Project: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth. Visit thetrevorproject.org or call 1-866-488-7386.
OUT Maine: Hosts virtual and in-person programming and resources for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Visit outmaine.org/programs/for-youth/
Maine TransNet: Provides peer-to-peer support groups, social and community events, advocacy for the transgender community across Maine, and training for medical, mental health, and social service providers. Visit https://www.mainetrans.net/
Immigration Resources:
Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services: Visit www.ccmaine.org/refugee-immigration-services or call 207-532-1168
Maine Multicultural Center: promotes community enrichment and economic growth by attracting, retaining, supporting, and integrating people of diverse cultures and backgrounds into greater Bangor. Visit mainemulticulturalcenter.org
Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project: helps low-income immigrants. Visit ilapmaine.org or call 207-780-1593
Center for Immigration Assistance. Visit cfiaus.com or call 844-910-2342
Mental Health Resources:
NAMI Maine: a network of national resources for mental health support and advocacy. Visit namimaine.org.
988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: A national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988 or 800-273-8255 (online chat available)
The Bangor School Department remains committed to providing the support and resources that best position all students and staff to thrive in our schools. If your student needs additional support or resources—including mental health, economic assistance, or information for a specific concern—please contact a school counselor, social worker, or principal. All of these individuals are happy to work with students and their caregivers. In ongoing compliance with state and federal nondiscrimination laws, please contact the Director of Civil Rights, Dana Carver-Bialer, to report any concerns of sexual harassment, discrimination, or harassment based on a protected class. She can be reached at dcarverbialer@bangorschools.net.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in making Bangor’s schools a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. We understand that change can bring uncertainty and may raise questions. We encourage open communication and invite you to reach out with any concerns or inquiries you may have. Together, we can empower our children to grow and succeed in a diverse world.
Sincerely,
Bangor School Committee
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Advisory Committee
Bangor School Committee and DEIB Advisory Committee Position Statement