The principal of Mt. Blue Middle School in Farmington is under fire after dressing as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent for a Halloween event, prompting a backlash on social media and sparking a broader debate about political expressions in schools.
A post that circulated widely on X, formerly known as Twitter, alleged that Principal James Black wore a costume resembling that of an ICE officer during the school’s Halloween festivities. The post, which questioned how a school leader could “encourage the kidnapping of children,” drew hundreds of reactions from parents and community members.
“The district is aware of a situation this past weekend involving a school employee,” RSU 9 Superintendent Christian Elkington said. “This situation occurred off RSU #9 grounds. I have received several communications from staff members and others with concerns and/or questions about the matter. As we understand it, this situation occurred off RSU #9 grounds and was not connected to any RSU 9 activities,” Superintendent Elkington reportedly said in a memo.
“The district is responding to this situation in a manner consistent with our internal practices and procedures. We are also complying with our legal obligation to maintain the confidentiality of our employees,” Elkington added.
Critics said the costume was insensitive and inappropriate for an educator charged with supporting all students, including those from immigrant families.
“He is the principal — someone who is supposed to support and educate children,” the original post read. “How can he be a leader of children and encourage the kidnapping of children?”
Others defended Black, saying the outrage was misplaced. One commenter on X wrote, “Leftists are losing their minds over this. It’s acceptable for a principal in Gorham to promote trans or nonbinary ideology and fly a pride flag in school, but heaven forbid someone dresses as a federal agent of the U.S.”
Earlier this year, a student at Mt. Blue Middle School was suspended for barking at a “furry” who referred to him using a gay slur. At the time, many believed the school authorities had applied their disciplinary procedures in that matter backwards.
[RELATED: Maine School Suspends Student for Barking at “Furry” Who Allegedly Used Gay Slur]
Officials with Regional School Unit 9, which oversees Mt. Blue Middle School, have not issued a public statement about the incident. However, multiple reports on social media claim that Black has been placed on leave pending an internal review.
The Maine Wire contacted the Mt. Blue Middle School Monday morning and asked for an update on the status of the principal.
“Sorry we can’t comment, please contact the Superintendent’s office,” the front office said. The Maine Wire then contacted the Superintendent’s office, multiple voice mails were left with Aaron Landry in Human Resources and with Superintendent Christian Elkington seeking confirmation of Principal Black being placed on administrative leave.
