Resolve, To Ensure Safe and Inclusive Learning Environments
Maine Legislature, Session 129, LD 1813
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Sponsors: DAUGHTRY

Legislative Document
No. 1813
H.P. 1291
House of Representatives, June 3, 2019
Resolve, To Ensure Safe and Inclusive Learning Environments
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative DAUGHTRY of Brunswick.
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, concerns about safe and inclusive learning environments for LGBTQ 
students and educators in Maine schools exist; and
Whereas, this resolve requires a working group to be convened to study these 
concerns; and
Whereas, the working group needs to make recommendations as soon as possible to 
be implemented in Maine schools; and
Whereas, the working group must be convened before the 90-day period expires in 
order that the working group may complete its work and submit a report in time to allow 
submission of legislation to the next legislative session; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, be it
Sec. 1.  Working group on safe and inclusive learning environments.  
Resolved:  That the Commissioner of Education shall convene the Working Group on 
Safe and Inclusive Learning Environments, referred to in this resolve as "the working 
group."
Sec. 2.  Working group membership.  Resolved:  That the Commissioner of 
Education shall include at least the following in the membership of the working group:  
students; educators; representatives of legal or advocacy groups with experience 
supporting the LGBTQ community; members of the Department of Education with 
expertise in curriculum and in social and emotional development; and representatives of 
stakeholder groups such as the Maine Education Association, the Maine Principals' 
Association, the Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities and the 
Maine School Management Association.  For purposes of this resolve, "LGBTQ" 
includes but is not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, 
intersex and asexual.
Sec. 3.  Duties.  Resolved:  That the working group shall review and develop 
recommendations on at least the following:
1.  Classroom-based practices that are inclusive of students and educators who 
identify as LGBTQ;
2.  Hiring and recruiting practices that are inclusive of educators who identify as 
LGBTQ;
3.  Exemplar policies for inclusive practices for students and educators who identify 
as LGBTQ;
4.  Creation of a database of effective instructional practices that are inclusive of 
students and families who identify as LGBTQ;
5.  Professional development and cultural competency training for educators; and
6.  Creation of a curriculum audit document in which school administrative units map 
places where LGBTQ voices, stories and histories are included in the curriculum.
Sec. 4.  Report.  Resolved:  That, no later than December 1, 2019, the 
Commissioner of Education shall submit a report that includes the working group's 
findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the 
Education and Cultural Affairs may report out legislation to the Second Regular Session 
of the 129th Legislature based on the recommendations.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This resolve directs the Commissioner of Education to convene a working group to 
review and develop recommendations to ensure safe and inclusive learning environments 
for LGBTQ students and educators in Maine schools.  The commissioner is required to 
submit the working group's report to the Legislature by December 1, 2019.  The Joint 
Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs may report out legislation to the 
For purposes of this resolve, "LGBTQ" includes but is not limited to lesbian, gay, 
bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual.