Sen. Breen, Sen.-elect Daughtry release statement supporting SAD 51

AUGUSTA — A recent news article highlighted an unfortunate clash between SAD 51 school board members, the district’s superintendent and a member of the community, centering on the district’s ongoing efforts to improve racial equity in the district’s schools. In response, Sen. Cathy Breen, D-Falmouth, and Sen.-elect Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, whose Senate districts include SAD 51, issued the following statement:

“Across Maine and the nation, people are having hard, candid conversations about the far-reaching and powerful legacy of slavery in America. These conversations are long overdue. The recent efforts of the SAD 51 school board are just one local example of this larger, necessary work, and we applaud these efforts. Improving racial equity is vitally important, and it will take all of us working together to make sure our community and our schools are places where everyone truly feels welcome, accepted and safe. While conversations on this topic can evoke strong feelings in people, when we’re discussing something this important, it’s critical for everyone to treat each other with civility.  We’re hopeful that this complex dialogue in Cumberland and North Yarmouth will proceed in a way that promotes safety as well as open, respectful discourse.”