Maine official steps down from school board role after transgender comments
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A Kennebunk, Maine, town official has resigned as a liaison to the local school board after facing backlash for suggesting that critics of the transgender athlete policy had “pedophilic tendencies.”
Vice President Leslie Trentalange, who serves on the Kennebunk Board of Selectmen, made the comments at a Regional School Unit (RSU) 21 meeting on Oct. 20, which focused on the district’s issues. transgender student athlete policy. The policy, which complies with state law, allows students to join sports teams and use facilities that match their gender identity.
Parents and community members in Maine have protested similar policies, arguing they violate Title IX protections.
Trentalange said he spoke as a “concerned community member.” he told the board “The majority in this district know that all students are welcome.” He said those who oppose transgender policy have “creepy obsessions” and “make hate their only hobby.”
A Board of Selectmen member and school board liaison for a Maine town rebuked critics of the district’s transgender policy. (Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
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“Our students’ obsession with what’s between their private parts is nothing short of creepy and should definitely be raising eyebrows in and around our school district,” he added.
“Their obsession with genitals does not indicate a concern for students in this district, but perhaps an underlying sense of guilt about their own pedophilic tendencies,” he continued. “There’s a record for that.”
His remarks drew gasps from those in attendance and a swift response from RSU 21 School Board President Matthew Stratford, who called his comments “inappropriate.”
“I don’t think it was inappropriate and I stand by my comments,” Trentalange responded.
Transgender athlete supporters hold signs as a large crowd gathers outside the Riverside Unified School District meeting on Dec. 19, 2024. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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His words sparked outrage from some in the community, prompting letters to the Kennebunk Board of Elections and calls for accountability on social media.
on October 28 Select the Board meetingJohn Salamone, the Republican candidate for Maine Senate District 31, accused Trentalange of violating the town’s code of conduct and called for a reprimand.
“When an elected official uses his platform to publicly slander citizens, it undermines the integrity of the board and undermines the public’s trust in local government,” Salamone said. He called for her removal as RSU 21’s liaison and a public apology.
Some residents echoed their criticism, while others argued Trentalange’s comments were protected under state law and the First Amendment. “Ms. Trentalange owes no apology to anyone,” said former RSU 21 Board member Lesley Stoeffler.
Other residents and board members, speaking as private citizens, defended his right to free speech.
Leslie Trentalange has refused to apologize for her remarks at a school board meeting about critics of the transgender athlete policy. (Kennebunk Township Select Board Meeting Screenshot/ANDREJ IVANOV/AFP via Getty Images)
“Vote for them, that’s how democracy works” Karen Plattes said in response to calls for criminal action. “Suppressing free speech is not the way. And it doesn’t matter which side you’re on.”
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“Personally, I think Leslie, just like the rest of us, has a 100% right and freedom of expression to say how she feels about any issue, and I will always support my board members.” Kortney Nedeau said. “I know it is an ethical decision for me as an elected official to never cross that line.”
At the same meeting, Trentalange acknowledged that his remarks “pushed some boundaries” but stood by them. He refused to apologize to those he criticized and instead expressed regret towards the “queer community”.
“If there are people in the marginalized gay community who feel that my message does not serve them or harm them in any way, I regret that,” he said. “I also regret any unwarranted or unfair reactions that other members of the Select Board or town staff may have felt towards my comments as an individual.”
Trentalange said he would resign as liaison to the school board to avoid any “confusion” about his role with the school district while attending meetings. He remains vice chairman of the Kennebunk Board of Elections.
President Donald Trump signs an executive order banning transgender female athletes from competing in sporting events for women or girls in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
RSU 21, Trentalange and the Select Board did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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In a statement posted on Facebook on Oct. 27, Stratford said the district’s transgender policy complies with the Maine Human Rights Act and will not be revisited this school year. He called for civility at future meetings and reminded citizens that “there is no room for harassment, discriminatory language or disrespectful remarks” during public comment.
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