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A middle school principal in Maine wore a disguise ICE agent For Halloween Fighting broke out after community members expressed anger.
At the same time, Tricia McLaughlin, the Trump administration’s Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs of Homeland Security, has described the anger as “madness.”
An image of James Black, principal of Mount Blue Middle School in the Farmington community, began circulating online on Halloween. The teacher is wearing a hat that reads ICE, an American flag-style gaiter, and a vest that reads “Police ICE.”
Advocacy and mutual aid organization Project Relief Men shared the photo on its Facebook page, encouraging community members to contact the superintendent’s office to express their concerns and take action. Some people in the comments are calling for Black to resign.
“For immigrant students who already live in fear of ICE, this is not funny. This is terrifying. exile There is not a dress. This is not a joke. This is traumatizing… Imagine a child walking into class and seeing their principal treating their family’s pain as entertainment,” the post said.
“Millions immigrants Live with fear every day in this country. “They shouldn’t have to face that fear in their schools either.”
in a statement to Independent, McLaughlin said the public anger is out of proportion.
“This is crazy. Since when is it controversial to dress up as a law enforcement officer for Halloween? There are calls for this principal to be fired because he dressed as a law enforcement officer for Halloween, which reveals the real disrespect of those who oppose ICE law enforcement,” she said.
“For most Americans our brave ICE law enforcement are heroes. These officers put their lives on the line every day to arrest the worst of the worst, including murderers, pedophiles, rapists, gang members and terrorists. They should be celebrated and respected.
“I know the media may find it hard to believe, but many people admire our law enforcement – that’s why ICE received more than 175,000 applications from patriotic Americans who want to help make America safe again.”
Mount Blue Regional School Unit Superintendent Christian Elkington said boston.com A statement Sunday said the district was aware of a situation involving a school employee.
Elkington said, “I have received numerous communications from staff members and others with concerns and/or questions about this matter. As we understand it, this situation occurred on the RSU #9 field and was not associated with any RSU 9 activities.”
“The District is responding to this situation consistent with our internal practices and procedures. We are also following our legal obligation to maintain the privacy of our employees.”
Independent The Mount Blue Regional School Unit, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have been contacted for comment.
Black was hired as principal in 2017, when Regional School Unit 9 directors voted unanimously to accept the Administrator Evaluation Committee’s recommendation to appoint her to the role. His annual salary in 2017 was $87,500 USD.
Previously, Black was the assistant principal and athletic director at Spruce Mountain High School in Jay, Maine. He also serves on the board of directors of RSU 9.
The Sun Journal, He was also a businessman who served as dean of students/athletic director at Mount Abram High School in Salem Township, the Maine newspaper reported.
Prior to this role, Black taught social studies for 10 years at Skowhegan Area High School.