Civil Rights in Schools
The Attorney General administers the Civil Rights Team Project, a school-based preventative program. The mission of the Civil Rights Team Project (CRTP) is to increase the safety of elementary, middle level, and high school students by reducing bias-motivated behaviors and harassment in our schools.
The CRTP accomplishes this by supporting student civil rights teams in our schools. The CRTP and the student civil rights teams are active in engaging school communities in thinking and talking about issues related to:
- Race and skin color
- National origin and ancestry
- Religion
- Disabilities
- Gender (including gender identity and expression)
- Sexual orientation
We believe that bias-based behaviors are especially damaging, and because of their unique nature, warrant specific preventative efforts. The Civil Rights Team Project encourages school communities to engage in this important work, so that students of all identities feel safe, welcome, and respected for who they are.
- History and Philosophy of the Civil Rights Team Project
- What’s a Civil Rights Team?
- Why Should My School Have a Civil Rights Team?
- Starting a Civil Rights Team
- Staff/Teacher Trainings
- Contact Us
The Maine Human Rights Act (MHRA) is a crucial piece of legislation that protects individuals from discrimination based on factors like race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and disability. In schools, the MHRA is particularly important as it ensures that all students have a safe and inclusive environment to learn and grow. This act mandates that schools must provide equal access to educational opportunities and protect students from discrimination and harassment. By fostering such inclusive policies, the MHRA helps create a school culture where diversity is respected and students can feel supported and valued.
The Maine Civil Rights Team Project (CRTP), a program under the Maine Attorney General’s Office, complements the MHRA’s goals by empowering students and staff to promote a positive school climate. CRTP establishes teams in schools across the state to lead activities that prevent bias and build awareness of civil rights. One of the key events of the CRTP is the annual “Day of Welcome” where schools celebrate inclusivity and commit to making everyone feel like they belong. This day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to uphold values of respect, acceptance, and equity in educational settings. By bringing awareness to these issues and creating opportunities for student involvement, the MHRA and CRTP work together to make schools in Maine more inclusive and supportive.