Maine's public education system has recently faced national scrutiny, and it appears things are only getting worse, not better, in the Pine Tree State. Documents provided to the NRA by one of our members highlight the severe anti-gun bias festering in Maine's publicly funded universities.
Kate Parker, a student at Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC), located in Bangor, Maine, has received extreme backlash from a professor for a paper discussing Maine's hotly debated Red Flag referendum and the dangers it poses to Maine residents. These concerns are, of course, warranted, as Governor Janet Mills, the Maine State Police, and survivors of the Lewiston tragedy hold similar views. However, for college professors, like the one below, viewpoints that uphold our Second Amendment rights are just too much to handle.
This type of radical progressivism and vehement hatred of Second Amendment rights is not unique to Maine. Sadly, these types of events are occurring on college campuses across America. If you or your child has faced criticism like this from school officials, know you are not alone, and the NRA is here to help.
John Commerford, NRA-ILA Executive Director, said the following about this disturbing story:
"It is disturbing that public schools in Maine have completely bowed to unhinged, woke indoctrination and distorted anti-gun rhetoric rather than providing an open environment for respectful discussion of the important public policy issues of the day. Despite the professor's obvious bias and unfounded remarks regarding gun ownership, Kate’s First Amendment rights to share her opinions on the Second Amendment and her faith should remain intact, without fear of retribution or ridicule. Kate has every right to voice her concerns regarding the push to enact so-called “red flag” laws in Maine, and we fully support her efforts to articulate her beliefs. As for the irrational rantings of her professor and administrators at Eastern Maine Community College, it is high time the teachers and administrators of this College reset, set aside personal biases, and respect their students’ Constitutional rights.”
No student in America should face criticism for their beliefs. While many students would have understandably given in to these types of threats, this student and her family are fighting back. The NRA is actively working with the student and their family to hold this taxpayer-funded college accountable. While progressive professors like this attempt to wield power and belittle students for their views, the NRA will always have the backs of our "ilk."