Copyright The Boston Globe
A middle school principal in Maine said he regrets that an image circulating on social media of him dressed for Halloween in an ICE costume caused discomfort in the community. Mt. Blue Middle School Principal James Black’s letter was addressed to the superintendent, school board members, and others in the community. The middle school is in Farmington, a small town in western Maine with a population of under 10,000 people Christian M. Elkington, the superintendent for the Mt. Blue Regional School District Unit 9 shared a statement via email in response to the Globe’s queries that he said the district put out on Nov. 6. It had been a “challenging week” for the community, the statement read. Advertisement Black’s letter was attached to the statement shared by Elkington. In the letter, Black wrote that he never intended to offend or target any specific groups or individuals. “The costume was chosen in a lighthearted spirit, without consideration for the broader implications it might have, and I recognize now how it could have been perceived differently by others,” Black wrote. He added that throughout his career as an educator he had tried to model integrity, inclusion and respect. “I fully support all students and families universally, regardless of background, race, nationality, or personal circumstance,” Black wrote. Elkington said in his statement that the district was committed to providing “a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students and families” and that they heard the concerns of those who had reached out to the district. A phone call to Mt. Blue Middle School in an attempt to reach Black was redirected to the school district’s office. Advertisement The Sun Journal reported that family members said in a social media post that Black attended a private family party dressed in the ICE costume and that he did not wear it in public or to the middle school. In his letter, Black said that “every student in our district deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued, and I remain deeply committed to that mission as an educator and member of this community.” He added: “I am committed to moving forward with professionalism, humility, and care, and continuing to serve our community in a positive and respectful manner.” Omar Mohammed can be reached at omar.mohammed@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter (X) @shurufu.
