Senate enacts Sen. Daughtry bill to help teachers create inclusive learning environments

AUGUSTA — On Monday, the Maine Senate voted to enact a bill from Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, to better help teachers in Maine create inclusive, supportive classrooms. LD 633, “Resolve, Directing the Department of Education To Implement Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training for Educators,” received unanimous, bipartisan support. 

“Teachers set the standard for their students in so many ways, but perhaps most importantly, they show our children how to treat each other with respect and compassion. With this in mind, we ought to be doing all we can to make sure teachers and school staff have the training and tools they need to best support all of their students,” said Sen. Daughtry. “I’m so grateful for all the support this bill has received.”

As amended, LD 633 would require the Department of Education to require certified employees in a school — including but not limited to superintendents, principals, teachers and educational technicians — to complete a diversity, equity and inclusion training program as a condition of recertification. 

This bill is supported by the ACLU of Maine and the Maine Education Association.

LD 633 now goes to Gov. Janet Mills, who has 10 days to either sign the bill into law, veto it or allow it to become law without her signature.